Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
replacing lost car keys how organized you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it's crucial to be aware of what to do.
It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even trigger unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality, things can take a darker turn. It is essential to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It is important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in strange places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to help you search, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.
It may seem obvious to look in your bags and pockets for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You can also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.
Examine desks and pockets that are filled with. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this, make sure you are able to access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.
You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.
4. Call the Police
We can lose things when we are distracted. You might be running a quick errand and have your keys on the seat, or you may need two free hands to carry a load of food items. It happens to all of us.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your car from theft. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside your home or at the store or in a public place.
Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you observed them. It is also a good idea to ask other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and prevent others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's an excellent idea to make copies of it in the event that this happens to you again.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're distracted or in a rush. There are, however, a few things you can do to aid.
Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have left them. If you still can't find them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter the locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership 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 can ruin your day. It could be because you were running a quick run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or perhaps you put your key down for a moment to grab something and lost track of it.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is important. This creates a paper trail and will help to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to filing claims.
Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be on the run and you forget to place them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on your phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other users can help you find them if they are not in range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by always putting them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Find 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 immediately. So, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.
It might be more difficult for vehicles that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 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 declutter your office or home especially in areas that you tend to drop things.