Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However it is possible for the situation to be much more serious. It is crucial to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It's important to keep in mind that most things aren't lost for ever, and are often found in odd locations. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may appear obvious however, you must be thorough. Take out all pockets you carry including those in purses and jackets, and make sure to check every zippered space. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in the event that your keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many times, items disappear when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Check pockets and desks that are too cluttered. You can also put your keys in a crowded area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you can remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.

You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to all of us.

If you have lost something, it's important to contact the police immediately. This way, you can submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost the car key outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Before you begin, be sure to retrace your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last observed them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and also stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs such as new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it is always a good idea to make copies of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they are busy or distracted. There are a few basic ways to help.

Start by retracing your steps and searching the areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, check the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it could make your day miserable. You could have been on a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and lost keys Replacement track.

It is crucial to report i lost my keys keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without permission. This can also allow you to avoid being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost car keys no spare 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 talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

You should consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be out on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long workday and not remember where you put them.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other people can help you find them if they are out of range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to place them in the same spot each time you return home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, keeping a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not have chip) you can simply get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

For modern vehicles with a smart 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. Based on the make and model of your vehicle, this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in areas where you can't find things.