Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how organized you are. In the event of this happening it's crucial to know what to do.
It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There are few things that are more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unpleasant calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, in reality, things can take a more gloomy turn. If you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
It's important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in strange locations. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If replace lost car key lost your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.
Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Take out all pockets you carry, including purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
It may be helpful to go back again and search places where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. 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 ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are filled with. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a messy spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you do this make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.
You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a bit distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up the groceries. It happens to all of us.
When you lose something, it is important to notify the police right away. This way, you can file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home or at the store or at a location that is public.
Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to become replace lost car key and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last saw them. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few easy tips you can use to assist.
Retrace the steps you took and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. 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 to inquire if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, make sure to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, according to your particular situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. It could be because you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down for a second to grab something, but lost the track of it.
It is important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your car without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being punished.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to filing claims.
You should consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid going through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least would. You might be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.
Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your phone. The app will ring or flash once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other users to assist you in finding them in case your keys are out of reach.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Get 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. That way you'll be able to rest assured that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.
For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. It is likely that you will need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, this could cost you upwards of $200.
To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office especially in areas that you tend to drop things.