Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even lead you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, the situation can often be more grave. It is essential to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It's important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they are often found in some very unusual places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something unusual.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bins in the event that keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something other.
You can also trace your steps and look in places you know the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things are lost when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a crowded space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you do this, make sure you remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally smash them when you close the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat or you may need two free hands to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to everyone.
If you lose something, it's crucial to contact the police immediately. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.
Be sure to retrace 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's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.
5. Call an expert locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic tips you can use to aid.
Start by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you may have left them. If you're unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys hanging from their keychains or the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Last but not least, contact an locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a huge downer on your day. It might be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put keys on the floor or maybe you put your key 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 important. This will create a paper trail and helps to stop people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also help you avoid getting fined.
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. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered before you file an insurance claim.
Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or any of the other options available. This will save you the stress of having to replace 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
You can lose your keys at any moment. You might be running an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember the place you put the keys.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on 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, so that other people can help you find them if they are out of range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting 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 near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider immediately. You can be assured 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 easily get a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.
It could be more difficult for cars with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll have go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your car.
To avoid lost key replacement car , make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.