Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there will come a time when you lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it is crucial to know what to do.
You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, the situation can often be more serious. If you lose your keys, it's essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
It's important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in odd locations. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to search with you for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.
It may appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Take out all pockets that you carry around such as those in purses and jackets and be sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and search places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost 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 just want to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.
While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to do this, make sure you open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.
You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be redirected here not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys on the seat, or you may require two hands free to grab a bag full of food items. It happens to everyone.
If you have lost something, it is important to contact the police immediately. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.
Before you do this ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help to keep your car safe and stop other people from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's an excellent idea to make copies of it in case this occurs again.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple ways to aid.
Retrace the steps you took and searching in the places you believe they may be. If you still can't find them, check the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take having a quick look.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter the locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys from time to time and it can make your day miserable. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or perhaps you put your key down to grab something but lost the track of it.
It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid being penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to making an insurance claim.
Keep an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will prevent 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
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You might be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on the phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them if your keys are out of range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by always putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, making a habit of this will make it easier to locate them 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 immediately. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.
It may be more difficult for cars that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.