Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this eventuality.

Based on the model of your car the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even lead to unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality, things often take a much more dire direction. It is essential to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in some very odd places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to search with you to help you, as a second set 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, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you've lost car keys replacement near me them at the store, ask other customers or workers to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem obvious but it is important to be thorough. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Examine all zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bins in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and look for places you are sure they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost keys for car no spare when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and you're eager to get home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. 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 thoroughly checked those areas.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this, make sure you are able to remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves could 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. Make sure you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand and have your keys in the seat, or you might just require two hands free to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to everyone.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost car key replacement cost outside of your house at the grocery store, or in a public place.

Before you start ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last saw them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea, should you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple things you can try to aid.

Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut you a key or change the locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys at times and it can cause you to lose your day. It could be because you were running an task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your keys down for a second to grab something and lost track of it.

Reporting a lost my car keys no spare or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will leave a trail on paper and can to stop others from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from getting punished.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you're covered prior to filing claims.

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 prevent you from having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be on an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed keys.

There are ways to prevent this happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow others can assist you to locate them if they are out of range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you place them in an table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain 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 have chips) you can simply get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.

For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You'll need go to your local dealer to get a replacement key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere other than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.