Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.
You should call a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. ( look what i found says this is the case). However, the situation can often be much more serious. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.
Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to retrace and search your steps. To do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search for items, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your 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 them at a store, ask employees or customers to see if they noticed anything unusual.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense, but you should do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and look for places you are sure they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many things are lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and are eager to go home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are filled with. You could also leave your keys in a busy space, like the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you are able to remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.
You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly because they could be crushed when you close the door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a bit distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands free to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from theft. This is important if you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop or in public.
Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help to keep your car safe and stop others from stealing it (which could lead to additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it is always a good idea to make an exact copy of it in case this happens to you again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, especially if they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic things you can try to assist.
Retrace the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If replacing lost car keys are still unable to locate them, look in the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.
It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered before you file an insurance claim.
Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be running a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your smartphone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in locating them in case your keys are not in range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, keeping a habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.
It could be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the model and make of your car.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in areas where you lose things.