Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. If this happens, it's important to be aware of what to do.

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create lots of stress and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In reality, the situation can often be much more serious. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

It's also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they're often found in strange places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. To do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to determine if they saw something unusual.

It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Check the zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in case keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

It could be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to go back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to lose your keys in a congested area such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you'i ve lost my car keys checked these areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you've left your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to grab the food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to everyone.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is essential if you have lost your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene from when you last saw your keys in your head. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). 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 stressed or distracted. There are a few simple things you can try to help.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching for the areas where you think they might have been left. If you're unable to find them, try looking inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your keys to your car at times and it can make your day miserable. It could be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down to grab something, but lost the track of it.

It's important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper trail and will help prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before you file an claim.

Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will prevent you from going through the hassle 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

You can lose your keys at any time. You might be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app for your phone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other people can help you find 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 place each time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company immediately. That way you can be assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.

It might be more difficult for cars equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get a new key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.

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