Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.

Depending on your vehicle, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and even trigger unsavory phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more serious. It is crucial to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they are often found in some very odd locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or Lost key replacement Car used. If you've lost car keys replacement cost uk your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Clean out all pockets you have on you, including purses and jackets, and make sure to check every zippered space. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bin in the event that keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, Lost key Replacement car such as the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things are lost when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and you're eager to go back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're retracing your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to lose your keys in a messy spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys there, make sure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you've left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab an empty bag of groceries. It happens to all of us.

When you lose something, it's crucial to notify the police right immediately. This way, you can submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your home or at the store or in a public place.

Before you start make sure you follow your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last looked at your keys in your head. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea should you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few basic ways to assist.

Retrace the steps you've taken and searching in the places in which you think they could have been left. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys from time to time and it can cause you to lose your day. You may have been running an easy errand and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and then lost track.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your car without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost Key replacement Car to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to filing claims.

Think about investing in the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save 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

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be running a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and not remember the place you put the keys.

There are ways to prevent this happening again. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on your phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other users to help you locate them if your keys are not in range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same place every time you come home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, establishing an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which doesn't have chip) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.

It might be more difficult for cars with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll have go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your car.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office especially in areas where you tend to lose things.