Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. In the event of this happening it's crucial to be prepared.
You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However, in reality, things can take a darker direction. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in common places like key hooks, look for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.
It might seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around such as those in jackets and purses and be sure to look around every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It may be helpful to retrace your steps once time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many things are lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're walking around take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave keys in a crowded spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys.
You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
4. Contact the police
It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to everyone.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.
Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last observed them. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from using it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea if you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are several ways you can help.
Retrace the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas where you think they might be. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a new key, depending on your situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys from time to time and it could ruin your day. You might have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.
It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting fined.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing a claim.
Consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any time. You could be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and can't remember where you put them.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in finding them if your keys aren't in range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you come home. car lost key doesn't matter whether you put them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. So, you can rest sure that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.