Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
Based on the model of your car the first phone call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unsavory phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality things often take a much more gloomy direction. When you lose your keys, it is important to remain calm and follow the steps.
It is also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they are often found in some very odd locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it's an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and checking common places like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them at the store, talk to other customers or workers to determine if they saw anything unusual.
It may seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry such as those in purses and jackets and be sure to look around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the recycling and trash bins in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't, like the fridge or freezer. lost my car key are lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and just want to get home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
While you're retracing your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a crowded space, like the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure 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 get lost when we are distracted. You might be running an errand and put your keys on the seat, or you might need two free hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to everyone.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then file a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is crucial in the event that you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or in public.
Before you start, be sure to retrace your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you observed them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. There are, however, a few things you can do to assist.
Retrace your steps and looking for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to locate them, try searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from their keychains or the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your car keys at times and it could ruin your day. It could be because you were running an task and left keys on the floor or maybe you put your keys down for a second to grab something, but lost track of it.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your car without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get penalized.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an claim.
Think about investing in a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to go through the hassle 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 would. 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.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in locating the keys if they are out of range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by always putting them in the same place each time you get home. If it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, establishing an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. This way 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 a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.
It may be more difficult for cars that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You will likely have visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home especially in areas that you tend to drop things.