Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. When this happens it's crucial to be prepared.
Based on the model of your car the first phone call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unpleasant phone calls from strangers. replace lost key of your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you last 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 return to your path if you lose your keys.
Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and trace your steps. In order to do this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you for items, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you lost them in the store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might appear obvious but it is important to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You can also trace your footsteps and search in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away 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, order pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too filled with. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a congested area such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to do this be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you shut the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys in the seat, or you might just need two free hands to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to all of us.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you can make a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you glimpsed your keys in your mind. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car safe and also stop others from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have a spare car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Call a Locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are several ways you can assist.
Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to find them, try searching inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are instances that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a massive impact on your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you might have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.
It is crucial to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. It also prevents you from getting punished.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to check with your agent to make sure you're covered before filing an insurance claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many 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 within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be on the run and you forget to place them 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 ways to prevent this happening again. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on your phone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in finding the keys if they are not in reach.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to put them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if place them in an table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you own a standard key (which doesn't have chip) you can get an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You'll have go to your local dealer to get a replacement key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.