Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this situation.
You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unwanted phone 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 norm). However it is possible for the situation to be much more serious. It is important to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
It's also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they're often found in unusual places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search for items, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you've lost them at the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they noticed anything unusual.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Clean out all pockets you have on you including those in purses and jackets and be sure to look around every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something other.
It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they aren't, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many things are lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.
Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. You could also leave your keys in a busy space, like the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. However, if you do this, make sure you can access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys.
You might also try hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.
4. Call the Police
We are prone to lose things when we're distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of groceries. It happens to every person.
If you have lost something, it is important to contact the police away. replace lost car key can then make a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.
Before you start ensure that you follow your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last 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 secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.
5. Call for a locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, some things you can do to assist.
Retrace your steps and searching the areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth having a quick look.
Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace the locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it could cause you to lose your day. It could be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you put your keys down for a second to grab something and lost the track of it.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being fined.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to filing claims.
Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
You can lose your keys at any time. You might be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after an extended day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. The app will ring or flash once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to help you locate them if your keys are not 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. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. So you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.
It might be more difficult for vehicles with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will likely have to go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. Based on the make and model of your car this could cost you upwards of $200.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere other than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you can't find things.