Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. In the event of this happening, it's important to be aware of what to do.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unpleasant calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality things often take a much more gloomy direction. When you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. To do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for items, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you've lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine the zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and are eager to go back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another common place to hide. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you access the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys.

You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You may be running a quick errand and you have put your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands to carry a load of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house or 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 the last time you saw them. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and also stop other people from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea in the event that you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.

5. Call for a locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are a few simple things you can try to aid.

Start by retracing your steps and looking for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut you a 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 whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key according to your particular situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it can make your day miserable. It could be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you set your keys down for a moment to grab something, but lost my spare car key [visit their website] track of it.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing claims.

You should consider investing in the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the headache of replacing 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

Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be on an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long day at work and forget where you placed the keys.

There are ways to stop this happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to help find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other users can help you find them if they are lost keys car.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've lost your car 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 get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.

It could be more difficult for cars that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll need go to your local dealer to purchase a new key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.