Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.
Based on the model of your car, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire 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 organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However it is possible for the situation to be more grave. It is crucial to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
It's also important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they're often found in some very odd locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you lost them in a store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything unusual.
It may seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around, including those in jackets and purses and look around every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and you're eager to get home, put on your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Check pockets and desks that are overly cluttered. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these areas.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't put them there too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door of your car.
4. Call the police
We can lose things when we're distracted. You might be running a quick errand 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 every person.
When you lose something, it's important to call the police right away. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is essential if you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Before you start ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last observed them. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs such as new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. There are, however, some things you can do to assist.
Start by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you're still struggling to find them, try searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's 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 Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys from time to time and it can cause you to lose your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will create a paper trail and will help to stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting punished.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered prior to filing a claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will save you the stress of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within 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 might be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed the keys.
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 wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that others can assist you to locate them if they are not in range.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your car 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 be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can purchase an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.
For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. prev will likely have go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an updated key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.