Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to know what to do if lost car keys to do.

You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality the situation could be more serious. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things are not Lost My Car Key (Telegra.Ph) forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. To do this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for items, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you lost them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw something unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Feel around the zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.

You could also retrace your steps and look in places where the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too cluttered. It's also common to lose your keys in a crowded spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to do this, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.

4. Call the police

It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You might be running an errand and put your keys in the seat, or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to everyone.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then make a police report to protect your car from theft. This is important when you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store, or anywhere else in public.

Before you do this ensure that you follow your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last observed them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always recommended to create copies of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Call a locksmith

It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. Luckily, there are several ways you can aid.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas in which you think they could be. If you're still struggling to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

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

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your keys to your car at times and it could make your day miserable. It could be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or perhaps you put your keys down for a second to grab something and lost the track of it.

Reporting a lost keys or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. This also helps you avoid getting fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are covered before filing an insurance claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many other options available. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least would. You might be running a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in finding them if your keys aren't in range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you arrive home. If it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, keeping the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.

It might be more difficult for vehicles with an electronic key and an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your car.

To avoid this, keep a spare 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 lose things.