Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.
It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The best-case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, in reality, things can take a darker turn. It is crucial to keep your cool and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. To do this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to help you search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check lost key car
If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something unusual.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items are lost when we reach for them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and you're eager to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys in the seat, or you might just need two free hands to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to every person.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is essential when you lose your keys outside your home, at the store or any other place in public.
Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last seen them. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make copies of it in the event that this occurs again.
5. Call a locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few basic ways to aid.
Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, check the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a massive downer on your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to take a look at something and lost track.
It is important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and will help keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get punished.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to check with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
Consider investing in a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
You can lose your keys at any time. You could be out on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long day at work and forget the place you put them.
Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on the phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them in case your keys are out of range.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to keep them in the same spot every time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, making the habit will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. This way, you can rest sure that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which does not have a chip) you can simply get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a bit more difficult. lost car key will likely have go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.
To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.