Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.
You should contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you 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. ( lost a car key how to replace says this is always true). In reality the situation could be more serious. It is essential to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It's also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they're often found in some very odd locations. Therefore, before you can try this out resort to extreme measures it's best to go back and search thoroughly. To do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for items, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you're still not finding your car keys after retracing your steps and checking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something different.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around, including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to look around every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a crowded space, like the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we lose things because we're a bit distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat or you might just require two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside your home or at the store or somewhere else public.
Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last seen them. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and prevent others from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.
5. Contact a locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, especially if they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple tips you can use to aid.
Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching for the areas where you think they might have been left. If you're still unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. for beginners can use your car's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it can make your day miserable. It might be that you were running an run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you put your key down for a second to grab something and lost the track of it.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an claim.
Consider purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be on an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and forget where you placed them.
There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and 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 come with community features that allow others to assist you in finding them in case your keys are not in reach.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in an table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not have chip) you can purchase a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.
For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You will likely have go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your car.
To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you can't find things.