lost car keys price My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first phone call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.

The best-case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However, in reality, things tend to take a darker turn. If you lose your keys, it is essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to go back and search thoroughly. In order to do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for you, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something out of the ordinary.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem obvious, but you should take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It may be helpful to go through your steps again and look for places you know they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we try to find them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and you're eager to get home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too filled with. You may also leave your keys in a congested area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you do this, make sure you access the gas cap from outside your car keys lost because a thief could easily see you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.

4. Call the Police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab the groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then make a police report to protect your car from thieves. This is important if you have lost your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from when you last saw your keys in your mind. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is a great idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others 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 duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. Luckily, there are several things you can do to assist.

Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching in the places you believe they may be. If you're still unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take having a quick look.

Lastly, call locksmiths to see if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.

It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get punished.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file a claim.

Consider purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be running an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long workday and forget where you put them.

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other people can help you locate them if they are out of range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you come home. If it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, keeping a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find 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. So you can be assured that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not have 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 difficult. You will likely have visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.

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