Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. When this happens, it's important to be prepared.
Depending on your vehicle the first call you should make is to 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 frustrating than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unpleasant calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more serious. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something unusual.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bins in the event that keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something other.
You can also trace your steps and search places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items disappear when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.
While you're walking around, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a congested area like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those places.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.
You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a little distracted. You could be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys in the seat, or you may need two free hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to all of us.
If you lose something, it's important to call the police right immediately. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last saw them. lost car keys replacement is also a good idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and stop others from stealing it (which may result in extra expenses like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always a good idea to make a copy of it in the event that this occurs again.
5. Call for a locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few easy ways to assist.
Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places where you think they might be. If you're unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.
Lastly, call an locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able to cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your keys to your car at times and it can ruin your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.
It's important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being fined.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing claims.
Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them if your keys are out of reach.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you put them in an table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. This way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
It might be more difficult for vehicles with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You will likely have 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 make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid lost vehicle key replacement , make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere other than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.