Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there's the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. When this happens it's crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design a replacement key car lost for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality things often take a much darker turn. When you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search for items, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something unusual.

It might appear 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 you carry including those in purses and jackets, and make sure to look around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

You could also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

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

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

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you close the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little bit distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to all of us.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can file a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or in a public place.

Before you start make sure you follow your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last saw them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help to keep your car secure and stop other people from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.

5. Call a locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. Luckily, there are a few ways you can assist.

Retrace the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas you believe they may have been left. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Finally, contact locksmiths to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle 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 times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. You could have been on a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will create a paper trail and helps to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also help you avoid getting fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will save you from having to deal with 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

You can lose your keys at any moment. You could be out 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 them.

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the future. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to help you locate the keys if they are out of range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, making the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.

For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. It is likely that you will need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost upwards of $200.

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 good idea, especially in areas where you lose things.

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