Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. In the event of this happening it's crucial to know what to do.
You should call a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However the situation could be much more grave. It is important to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for items, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you lost them in the store, ask other customers or workers to determine if they saw anything unusual.
It may seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Clean out all pockets that you carry around, including those in jackets and purses and look around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You can also trace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items are lost when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and are eager to go home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some 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 packed. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a messy spot such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these areas.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you do this, make sure you remove the gas cap outside your car as a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.
You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.
4. Call the Police
We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat or you may need two free hands to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to every person.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is essential if you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop or any other place in public.
Before you begin ensure that you follow your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy tips you can use to assist.
Retrace the steps you took and then searching for the locations where you think they might be. If you're still unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth taking a look.
Finally, contact a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able to cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys at times and it can cause you to lose your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.
It's important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper trail and can keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from being fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
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 help you avoid having to go through 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
Keys can be lost at any time. You could 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 don't remember where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in locating them in case your keys aren't in range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, making the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. That way, you can rest assured that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which does not contain chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.
For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a bit more challenging. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide 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 prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.