Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this eventuality.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unwanted calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality, the situation can often be more serious. from this source is important to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in unusual places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for items, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something different.
It may seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bins in the event that keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
You can also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many items are lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and you're eager to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly packed. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot like in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to do this ensure that you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You may be running a quick errand and have your keys on the seat or you might require two hands free to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to all of us.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your car from theft. This is essential when you have lost your keys outside your home, in the shop or any other place in public.
Before you start ensure that you follow your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you observed them. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and also stop other people from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. There are, however, a few actions you can take to help.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and searching in the places where you think they might have been left. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, according to your particular situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it could ruin your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing claims.
Think about purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be running a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and forget where you placed them.
There are ways to prevent this happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other people can help you locate them if they are out of range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. This way, you can rest assured that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which doesn't have chips) you can purchase an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You'll have to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.