Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there will come a time when you lose your car keys. When this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can design an alternative key for 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 anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). But, in reality things tend to take a darker direction. It is important to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very unusual locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it is recommended to go back and trace your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you've lost them in a store, ask employees or customers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may appear obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bins in case your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something else.
It may be helpful to go back time and look around for areas where you know they're not, such as the refrigerator or freezer. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and are eager to get home, put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.
While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys there be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally smash them when you close the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a bit distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you've left your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to grab an empty bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to everyone.
When you lose something, it's crucial to call the police right immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside your home, at the store, or in a public place.
Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from the last time you saw your keys in your mind. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key it's recommended to create a copy of it in the event that this occurs again.
5. Contact replacing a lost car key for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are, however, a few ways you can aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and searching for the areas you believe they may have been left. If you're unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Finally, contact a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able cut keys or replace the locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge downer on your day. It might be that you were running an task and left keys on the seat, or maybe you put your key down to grab something, but lost track of it.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will create a paper trail and can prevent other 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 and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing a claim.
Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will eliminate the stress 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
You can lose your keys at any time. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and not remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to help you locate them in case your keys are not in range.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or 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 New Key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be certain that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and least expensive option.
For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you lose things.