Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. They can design an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously 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 the situation could be much more serious. If you lose your keys, it is important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
It is important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very odd locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. In car lost key to do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to determine if they saw something unusual.
It might seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycle bins in case keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.
You can also trace your steps and search places where you know it isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things are lost when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a congested area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure you access the gas cap from outside your car as a thief could easily see you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys.
You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you shut the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then file a police report to protect your car from theft. This is important when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or in public.
Before you start make sure you go back to your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. It is also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and prevent others from using it (which could result in additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are some actions you can take to aid.
Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations where you think they might have been left. If you're still unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a major impact on your day. It might be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your key down for a moment to grab something and lost the track of it.
It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This creates a paper trail and can to stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get fined.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered prior to filing a claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many other options available. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be on the run and forget to put them down on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them in case your keys aren't in reach.
You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you put them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making car keys lost will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a New Key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be certain that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not have chip) you can simply get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.
It may be more difficult for vehicles with a smart key and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different location 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.