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. In the event of this happening it is crucial to know what to do.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.
The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. When you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps.
Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you, because a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you've lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something out of the ordinary.
It may appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Examine every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in case your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something else.
You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys have disappeared.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are filled with. You may also leave your keys in a congested space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you are able to access the gas cap from outside your car because a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you close the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you have left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry an empty bag of food items. It happens to all of us.
When you lose something, it is important to notify the police right away. This way, you can submit a claim and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is crucial in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last observed them. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. what to do if lost car keys will help to keep your car safe and prevent other people from using it (which could result in additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have an extra car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a Locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. Luckily, there are a few actions you can take to assist.
Retrace the steps you took and searching for the areas where you think they might have been left. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys from time to time and it can ruin your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and then lost track.
It is important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from being penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing claims.
Think about purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
You can lose your keys at any moment. You might be running an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed keys.
Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best options 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 phone. Once you open the app, it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them if your keys are out of range.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to place them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, making the habit will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. This way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which does not have chip) you can get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.
It might be more difficult for vehicles equipped with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You will likely have to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
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 great idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.