What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most stressful experiences you experience. Things can get lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery visits and other chores.
Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are among of the most common items to misplace. It could happen to anyone, no matter if you're running an errand, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or at home hurrying to get ready for work and dropping your keys. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
You'll have to go back through every step. This can be difficult when you're in a panic However, it's essential to remember exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you went after that. It might be helpful to write down the steps you completed to be able to look them up later.
If you've tried searching in obvious locations but aren't able to locate your keys, you might need to look in other places. Look in your bags and pockets and the home. Keep in mind that your keys will likely be close by but they're not in a visible spot. lost vehicle keys could also be helpful to search for your keys near any other items they're usually associated with, such as the laptop or purse.
If you've tried all the options and are still unable to locate your keys, it may be time to contact a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do that, try these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the future.
2. Find a spare key
It's not unusual for car keys to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions all by themselves. It was once easy to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the advent of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace lost keys.
It is advisable to keep an extra car key on your side. A spare key will save you from having to call an tow truck and aid in getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your key much easier. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different place than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily misplaced. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already own one. This will reduce the chance of losing your keys.
You can usually have a traditional car key created at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on the model of your car. It is important to remember that the dealer must program your key to match your car.
A majority of modern cars are equipped with an entry system which allows you to unlock your car using the remote control device. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only solution to start your car once more is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and ask them to connect a new fob to your vehicle. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the same place every when you get home. If it's on the entry table or a bowl on your front porch, or even a hook on the door, it will make it easier to remember where they are and how to find them in the future.
3. Empty your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. Whether you dropped them in the rush to leave the house, or your young ones hid them under the couch to play hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.
Panicking won't solve your problem and could cause it to get worse. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to resolve your issue as fast as you can.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recalling the last time you were when you last saw them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, be sure to look through all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you followed to see whether they were located anywhere else. You can also check your car to see whether they've been discarded however, you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of your vehicle.
If you have searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. You can also search in your freezer and fridge. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances and check inside, since you never know where small items might have been hidden.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another effective way to ensure you don't lose keys. This makes it easier to locate keys because they're louder and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright colour.
4. Call the Police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting your lost car keys immediately is crucial to ensure that you don't have to be concerned about someone using your vehicle, or even entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss in the early stages can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
If you contact the police and they'll inform you that your keys have been found by people or have been stolen. They'll also advise you on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely request you to provide information about the date you lost them as well as what you were doing before that happened.
Check your bags, pockets and other places where you normally carry the key. Once you've done this, walk back through your day and try to remember where you lost keys. You may have dropped them on a table or your bag when you reached for something.
If you own a transponder key that operates electronically, it must be paired with the car and this can be done by a dealership. This can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the make and model of your car. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service could save your time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Call a locksmith
If you're out running errands and leave your car keys in your trunk for just a second and they'll disappear. This scenario occurs often, since keys to cars that are lost are the 3rd most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from happening. However, you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
The use of a spare key may help, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can aid in finding your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal of your lost keys and makes it easier to locate.
If you can't find your car keys, you should call an locksmith to come and replace them. The locksmith will be able create a new key for you if you have proof that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your car's title or registration.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, but If you own an electronic key or a remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to have one made for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to verify whether the key you buy can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful event however it doesn't have to be. If you follow the steps given above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Remember to stay calm and not be in a panic! Keep in mind that you're not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.