Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. If this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.
Based on the model of your car, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
lost car keys replacement -case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However the situation could be more serious. It is important to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's best to go back and thoroughly search. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you've lost them in a store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets you carry including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to look around every zippered area. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and search places where the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and you're eager to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.
While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.
Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys there ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to all of us.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then make a police report to 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.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last observed them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always recommended to create a copy of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are some actions you can take to help.
Retrace the steps you took and searching for the areas in which you think they could have been left. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You might have to wait 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're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. You might have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.
It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without permission. It also stops you from being punished.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're insured prior to filing an insurance claim.
Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid 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
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them 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.
There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that others can assist you to locate them if you are out of range.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to keep them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, establishing a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. So, you can rest sure that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.
For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You will likely have to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the make and model of your car.
To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home, especially the place where you tend to lose things.