Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.
You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However the situation could be much more grave. It is essential to keep your cool and return to your path if you lose your keys.
It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they're often found in unusual locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it is an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you've lost them in a store, ask employees or customers to see if they have noticed something unusual.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem like common sense however, you must do it thoroughly. Take out all pockets that you carry around such as those in jackets and purses and be sure to check every zippered space. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bins in the event that your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
You can also retrace your steps and search places where the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many times, items go missing when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too packed. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a congested area such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these areas.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this, make sure you remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.
4. Call the Police
We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You might be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up the groceries. It happens to everyone.
When you lose something, it's crucial to contact the police immediately. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your home, at the store, or in a public place.
Before you begin make sure you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is another good idea. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.
5. Call supplemental resources '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 tips you can use to help.
Start by retracing your steps and searching the areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, check the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth taking a look.
Finally, contact a locksmith to see if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even change your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You may 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 instances that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major downer on your day. It might be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your keys down for a second to grab something, but lost the track of it.
It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and can to stop others from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from getting penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're insured prior to filing an insurance claim.
You should consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on the phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them in case your keys are not in range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the entry table or an iron by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. So you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.
It could be more difficult for cars with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.