What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most stressful experiences you endure. Things could get lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery visits and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to be in a panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the key.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are one of the most popular objects that get lost. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, distracted when you get out of your car or at home trying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
In the beginning, you'll need to retrace your steps. This can be difficult in a panic mode however, it's crucial to keep track of where you last seen your keys and the places you went after that. It might be helpful to write down the steps you completed to be able to search them later.
If you've tried retracing your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it might be time to look at more obvious places. Make sure you look in any pockets or bags that you've been carrying around during the day, as well as your home. Remember, your keys are likely to be somewhere close by They're just not in a convenient location. It could also be helpful to search for your keys near any other items they are typically paired with, like a laptop or purse.
If you've tried all these options but you are still unable to locate your keys, then it's time to contact an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. Before calling a locksmith, make sure you follow these suggestions to prevent your keys from being lost again.
2. Get a Spare Key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. It was once easy to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the advent of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.
It is advisable to keep a spare car key on hand. A spare key can save you from having to call a tow truck, and will make getting your vehicle back if you happen to losing your key much simpler. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain, so that it's not as easy to lose. You should consider getting a spare in case you don't have one. This will decrease the likelihood of losing your keys.
It is possible to get a traditional car key created at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on the car's model. It is crucial to remember that the dealer needs to program your key to match the vehicle you are driving.
A lot of modern vehicles come equipped with an entry system that allows you to unlock your car using a remote control device. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only solution to get your car running from scratch is to go to the dealer or a locksmith and have them connect a new fob to your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, try to keep a routine of put your keys in the same place each time you return home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty your Pockets
Losing your car keys can be an awful feeling. If you dropped them in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.
Luckily, panicking will not help you find your keys. It can cause more trouble. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recollecting the last place you visited them. Go through all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've seen them elsewhere. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and interior.
If you've looked everywhere else but are unable to locate your car keys then it's time to begin more sophisticated searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll have to open and shut each of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another great way to prevent losing them. This makes it easier to locate keys because they're louder and longer. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright hue to make them are visible against other items in your handbag or pockets.
4. Contact the police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to contact the police. It's important to report your lost car keys as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't run into any issues with someone using your vehicle or entering your home. Reporting your loss early can also be beneficial in terms insurance coverage, since the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.
They'll be able to inform you if they've found your keys or if they have been stolen when you call them. They'll also advise you on preventative steps to take. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely ask you to give details of the time you lost them and what you were doing prior that incident.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you normally carry the key. Once you've done this, walk back through your day and try to recall the place you lost the keys. It's possible you put them on a counter, or went into your bag to grab something and then the keys fell out.
This can only be performed by a dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. This can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. You can also ring up emergency roadside service from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. lost car key replacement can save you time and money by providing an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Contact a Locksmith
If you place your keys in the trunk while doing errands, they can quickly disappear. This is all too common, as lost keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. It's impossible to stop this from happening all the time. But you can take steps to reduce your chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could aid in finding your keys should they get lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone whenever it detects a signal from the key you lost, making it much easier to locate.
If lost car key replacement can't locate your car keys, you should call locksmiths to come out and replace the keys. If you have proof of ownership, for example the registration or title of your vehicle A locksmith can create keys for you.
The traditional keys are the most simple to replace. If you have a remote key fob, or smart key, you'll need to contact your dealer to have one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but be sure to check to see whether the key you purchase can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys can be stressful, but it does not need to be. By following the tips that are listed above, you will be able to find your keys and be back on the road. Just remember to keep cool and calm. Don't get scared! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone Everyone loses their car keys at some point.