Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.
You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However the situation could be more grave. It is important to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
It's important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in strange places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost them in a store, ask employees or customers to determine if they saw something unusual.
It may seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around including purses and jackets and be sure to look around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
You can also trace your steps and search places where the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and are eager to go home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're walking around, check overly cluttered spaces like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.
You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you close the car door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little bit distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then file a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house or at the store or somewhere else public.
Before you start ensure that you follow your steps. Recreate lost my car key that you experienced the last time you glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is a great idea. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key it's an excellent idea to make copies of it in case this occurs again.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are a few things you can do to help.
Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching in the places in which you think they could be. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Finally, contact locksmiths to see if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a major downer on your day. It could be because you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the floor or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something but lost track of it.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from getting punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to take them in as personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're insured prior to filing a claim.
Consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
You can lose your keys at any time. You might be running an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and not remember the place you put keys.
There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the near future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app for your phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to assist you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them in case your keys aren't in range.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same place every time you get home. Whether it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to notify your insurance company immediately. You can be assured that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive option.
It may be more difficult for cars with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll need to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home, especially the place that you tend to drop things.