Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it's crucial to be prepared.
Based on the model of your car the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant 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 show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality, things often take a much darker direction. If you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking at common locations like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them at the store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
It might seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in case your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
You could also retrace your footsteps and search in places where you know it is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many times, items go missing when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and just want to go home, put on your comfy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.
While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave keys in a crowded spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.
Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to do this, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.
4. Call the police
We can get lost when we are distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you've left your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up an empty bag of food items. It happens to every person.
If you lose something, it's important to contact the police away. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or in a public place.
Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last looked at your keys in your mind. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's recommended to create a copy of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few easy tips you can use to assist.
Retrace the steps you've taken and searching for the areas where you think they might be. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys at times and it can ruin your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have put them down to take a look at something and lost track.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This creates a paper trail and can prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from getting fined.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing a claim.
You should consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be on an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and not remember where you placed them.
There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached 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 have community features that allow other users to help you locate them if your keys are out of reach.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot every time you get home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, keeping a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is crucial 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 taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.
If lost car key replacement own a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can purchase a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.
For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the model and make of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.