Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. When this happens it is crucial to be prepared.
Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality, the situation can often be much more grave. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for you, because a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them in bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them at the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they noticed something unusual.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem like common sense however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you have on you including purses and jackets and be sure to check every zippered space. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Many items are lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. It's also common to leave keys in a crowded spot such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to do this be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the car door.
4. Contact the police
We can get lost when we are distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry the groceries. It happens to every person.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then file a police report to protect your car from theft. This is essential when you lose your keys outside your home, at the store, or anywhere else in public.
Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last saw them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is another good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's recommended to create a copy of it in case this occurs again.
5. Contact for a locksmith
Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few easy tips you can use to aid.
Retrace your steps and looking for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They might be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Call g28carkeys may lose your car keys from time to time and it could ruin your day. It could be because you were running an run and forgot to put 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 vital. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an claim.
Consider buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from going through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be out on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long working day and not remember the place you put the keys.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on your phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you locate them if you are not in range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you put them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to 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 notify your insurance company right away. That way, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which does not contain a chip) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You will likely have to go to your local dealership and show 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 car.
To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.