Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to be aware of what to do.
Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). However the situation could be much more serious. It is crucial to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to go back and trace your steps. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to help you search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you lost them in the store, ask others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw something unusual.
It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you such as those in purses and jackets, and make sure to check every zippered space. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in the event that keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something else.
It may be helpful to go through your steps again and search places where you know they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. lost auto key , items disappear when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and are eager to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to do this be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't put them there too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.
4. Contact the police
We can lose things when we are distracted. You may be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat, or you might require two hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to everyone.
If you have lost something, it's crucial to notify the police right away. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is important when you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or any other place in public.
Before you start, be sure to go back to your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last seen them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Call a Locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple ways to aid.
Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Finally, contact locksmiths to see if they are able to assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you lose your car keys, and it can put a massive impact on your day. It could be because you were running an task and left keys on the floor or perhaps you put your keys down for a second to grab something but lost the track of it.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This creates a paper trail and can keep others from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting fined.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered before filing claims.
Think about investing in the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. 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 at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an extended day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them if your keys are not in reach.
You can also avoid losing your keys by always putting them in the same place every time you come home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in an table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.
If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
It could be more difficult for cars equipped with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll need go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the model and make of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.