lost keys My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to know what to do.

You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can make 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 anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). In reality, the situation can often be more serious. It is essential to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for you, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something different.

Examining your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense, but you should do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys i have lost my car keys disappeared from your bag.

You could also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly filled with. You may also leave your keys in a crowded space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.

If you have lost something, it's important to notify the police right away. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is essential if you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make a copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few things you can do to aid.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations where you think they might be. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car key lost what to do. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. It might be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down for a second to grab something but lost the track of it.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and helps keep other people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid being punished.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to making a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least would. You might be running an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long working day and not remember the place you put keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to assist you find your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you find them if they are not in range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same place each time you arrive home. Whether it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, making a habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider immediately. You can be certain that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

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

It could be more difficult for cars that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. This could cost of replacing lost car keys you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.