Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there's the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These experts can create an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). But, in reality things tend to take a more dire turn. It is essential to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and conduct a thorough search. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone 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 examining common areas like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something out of the ordinary.

It might appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and binge watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.

While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave keys in a messy spot like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to do this, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Call the police

It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You might be running a quick errand and have your keys on the seat or you might need two free hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost key replacement car anything. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside your home at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.

Before you start ensure that you go back to your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help to ensure your car's security and also stop others from using it (which could result in additional 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 that you lose it again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are some ways you can help.

Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have left them. If you're still unable to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They may be able make you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, lost car key Near me or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something, but Lost Car Key Near Me track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. It also prevents you from being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost car keys no spare to the police and your homeowner's insurance could cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to ensure you're covered before filing an insurance claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will prevent you from going through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any moment. You might be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them if your keys are not in range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same place every time you get home. It doesn't matter if you put them in an entry table or an iron by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable option.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You'll need to visit your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the model and make of your car.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.