Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come a time when you lose your car keys. When this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first phone call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design a replacement 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 a lot of anxiety and even trigger unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However the situation could be much more serious. It is crucial to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost car key replacement cost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. To accomplish this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.

It may appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Empty all of the pockets you have on you such as those in purses and jackets and be sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and look for places you know they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items are lost when we try to find them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and you're eager to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are too cluttered. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a messy spot, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these places.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure you access the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you close the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running an errand and put your keys on the seat or you might just need two free hands to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to everyone.

If you have lost something, it's crucial to call the police right immediately. This way, you can file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last saw your keys in your head. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's always a good idea to make a copy of it in case this occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few easy things you can try to help.

Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching in the places where you think they might have been left. If you still can't find them, check the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

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

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it can make your day miserable. It could be because you were running an run and forgot to put them on the seat or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something but lost car key With no spare the track of it.

It is crucial to report a lost my car key key immediately to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost keys in car to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or any of the other options available. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

You can lose your keys at any moment. 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 a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the future. The best method for doing this is to use 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 open the app it will sound or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to help you locate them if your keys are not in reach.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in a bowl on the entry table or an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys 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 provider immediately. So you'll be able to rest assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can simply get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get a new key. Depending on the model and make of your car this could cost upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.