Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to know what to do.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and even trigger unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.
The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality, things can take a darker direction. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.
It is important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in odd places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. To do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search for items, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't 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 bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them at the store, talk to others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw something unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should be thorough. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bins in the event that keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
It may be helpful to go back again and search places where you are sure they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. Many times, items disappear 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 get home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.
Check pockets and desks that are too filled with. You can also put your keys in a busy area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you can remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry the food items. It happens to everyone.
If you lose something, it's crucial to notify the police right immediately. This way, you will be able to make a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is crucial if you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or any other place in public.
Before you begin ensure that you go back to your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and also stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, should you have an extra car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. Luckily, there are several ways you can aid.
Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to make you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. 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. Call Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. You could have been on a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will result in a paper record and will stop 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. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.
Keep an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long working day and not remember the place you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to assist you locate your keys. lost my key come with community features that allow others to assist you in finding them if your keys aren't in reach.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same spot every time you get home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, keeping an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider right away. You can be assured that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not have chips) you can purchase an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.
It may be more difficult for cars with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get a new key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, this could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home especially in areas that you tend to drop things.