What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

The loss of your car keys could be among the most frustrating experiences you can have. In the shuffle of school pick ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often are lost or misplaced.

The most important thing to remember is not to be in a panic. Finding the key typically requires retracing your steps.

1. Retract your steps

It's not a secret that keys are the most frequently misplaced items. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your car or you're trying to prepare for the day, and then drop your keys in a hurry, it can happen to anyone. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.

You'll need to repeat all of your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last saw your keys, or where you went afterward. It might also be helpful to write down your steps, to be able to be able to refer back to them later on.

If you've tried retracing your steps and are still unable to locate your car keys, it may be time to begin looking at more obvious places. Check any pockets or bags that you've been wearing throughout the day, and also your home. Remember that your keys could be somewhere nearby - just not in the place you'd think of. It can also be helpful to search for your keys near other items they're typically paired with, like laptops or purses.

If you have tried all these options but still cannot find your keys, then it's time to contact a 24-hour emergency locksmith. But before you do that, try these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the future.

2. Find an extra key

It's not unusual for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions simply by themselves. It was once simple to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in technology for key fobs, it's become much more difficult to find a replacement for lost my only car key keys.

It's recommended to keep a spare key handy. You won't need to call a tow-truck and will be able to return your vehicle if you lose your key. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than the usual keychain to ensure that it's not lost. If you don't have an extra key, think about having one made to minimize the chance of losing your keys.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you can have a traditional key created by a locksmith or dealership. However, it is important to know that the dealer might need to program the key for your particular vehicle.

Many modern vehicles come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car by using remote controls. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only method to get your car started again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and let them pair a new fob with your car. To prevent this from happening, try to establish a routine to put your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. You can place your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or even on the table at the entrance.

3. Empty Your Pockets

It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.

Panicking won't solve your problem and may even make it worse. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to fix your issue as quickly as possible.

Begin by reviewing your day and remembering the last time you used them. Go through all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've found them in any other places. Finally, you can always look inside your car to determine if they've been left there however, you'll need to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior of the car.

If you've tried everything else and aren't able to locate your car keys that you lost the keys to my car, it's time to begin more sophisticated searches. You can also search in your fridge and freezer. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where small items might have been hidden.

Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is a effective way to ensure you don't lose keys. This will make it easier to locate them because they are more noticeable and longer. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright color so that they are noticeable against other items in your bag or pocket.

4. Call the Police

It's obvious that the first thing you need to do after losing your car keys is call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately is crucial to ensure that you do not have to be concerned about someone else using your vehicle or even entering your home. The early reporting of your loss will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from dealerships.

If you contact the police, they'll be able to inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been taken. They'll also advise you on some preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found they'll probably request information regarding the time you lost them and where you were before that.

Check your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry the key. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, look back to the beginning of time to recall the time you lost keys. It's possible that you set them down on a counter, or reached into your bag to get something and the keys were thrown out.

If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it must be paired with the car and this can be done at the dealership. It could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the brand and model of your vehicle. You can also call emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service will save your time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.

5. Call for a locksmith

When you're on the run and you put your car keys in the trunk for a moment and they'll disappear. This scenario occurs often, since lost car keys are the 3rd most lost item in America1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. However, you can take steps to reduce your chances of losing them.

The use of a spare key may assist, but it can't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will assist you in finding your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone whenever it detects an indication from your lost key which makes it much easier to locate.

If you can't locate your car keys, you should call a locksmith to come out and replace the keys. The locksmith will be able to make a new key for you if you have proof that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.

Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, but If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make sure to check to see if the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience however it does not have to be. You can get your keys back by following these tips. Be sure to remain cool and calm. Don't get scared! Keep in mind that you're not all on your own. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.