Lost My Car Keys? Here’s What to Do
Whatever way you are, there comes the time that you’ll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
Depending on your vehicle the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren’t many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create lots of stress and can even result in unwanted calls from strangers. It doesn’t matter if are an organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However, in reality, things often take a much darker direction. When you lose your keys, it’s essential to remain calm and follow the steps.
Remember that many things aren’t lost the car key forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. In order to do this it’s a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets you’ve recently worn or used. If you’ve lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something different.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem obvious but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Check the zippered areas. It’s also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in case your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
It might be beneficial to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you know they’re not, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many items get lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You’ve had a tiring day and are eager to get home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
While you’re walking around take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It’s also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a congested area such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, G28 so make sure you’ve thoroughly checked those places.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys there be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot 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 place them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.
4. Call the police
We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running a quick errand and put your keys in the seat, or you might require two hands to grab a bag full of food items. It happens to everyone.
If you have lost something, it is important to call the police right away. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from theft. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.
Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking people around you whether they’ve seen your keys is another great idea. This will help keep your car secure and also stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea should you have an extra car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a Locksmith
Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they’re stressed or distracted. There are a few ways you can help.
Start by retracing the steps you’ve taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may be. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. It’s not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys at times and it can make your day miserable. It might be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you put your keys down for a second to grab something but lost car key replacement the track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will create a paper trail and helps prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting penalized.
Your homeowner’s insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it’s best to speak with your agent to make sure you’re covered before filing a claim.
Consider buying an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to go through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes, you’ll lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be out on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and not remember the place you put the keys.
There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best ways 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 ring or flash once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow other users can help you find them if they are not in range.
You can also make sure you don’t lose your keys by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. If it’s in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, making a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is essential to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car or if they’re stolen. You can be sure that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.
If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
It could be more difficult for vehicles that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You’ll need go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. It’s also a good idea to declutter your office or home particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.
