Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this eventuality.

You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even trigger unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality things tend to take a more dire direction. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for you, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and checking common places like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you lost key for car your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.

It may seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing However, lost key it's essential to do it thoroughly. Take out all pockets you carry including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It might be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you know they're not, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many items are lost car key what to do when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. You can also put your keys in a congested space, like the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you are able to 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 store 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 smash them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little distracted. You may be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might just require two hands free to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to all.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial if you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or any other place in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you looked at your keys in your mind. It's also recommended to inquire of 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 result in costs like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.

5. Contact a locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few basic things you can try to assist.

Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Lastly, call locksmiths to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a massive impact on your day. It could be because you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you put your key down for a second to grab something but lost track of it.

It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This creates a paper trail and helps keep people from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from being penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to make sure you're covered before filing a claim.

Think about purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best 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 smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to help you locate them in case your keys aren't in range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in an table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain chip) you can purchase an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the make and model of your car.

To avoid this, 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 can't find things.