Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there's an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.
Based on the model of your car, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality things can take a darker turn. It is important to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to search with you, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they noticed anything unusual.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.
replace lost car key and pockets that are too packed. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door of your car.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a little distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to every person.
If you lose something, it's important to notify the police right immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your car from theft. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house, at the store, or in a public place.
Make sure to go through 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. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always recommended to create copies of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Contact a locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. There are a few basic things you can try to assist.
Retrace the steps you took and searching for the areas in which you think they could be. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.
Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. It could be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you put your key down for a moment to grab something, but lost the track of it.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.
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. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
Consider investing in an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
You can lose your keys at any time. You might be running an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember where you put keys.
There are ways to avoid this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on the phone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to assist you find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow others can assist you to locate them if you are lost.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you arrive home. If it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, establishing an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.
If you have a standard key (which doesn't have chip) you can purchase an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.
It may be more difficult for cars equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll have go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you can't find things.