Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. When this happens, it's important to know what to do.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.
The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality things can take a more gloomy direction. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. In order to do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for items, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If click to find out more lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.
It might seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
It might be beneficial to go back again and look for places you know they aren't, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Sometimes, items go missing when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and are eager to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys have disappeared.
While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys.
You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you close the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to grab a bag of food items. It happens to everyone.
If you have lost something, it is important to notify the police right away. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is essential if you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop or any other place in public.
Before you begin, be sure to go back to your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and also stop others from stealing it (which may result in extra costs such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's an excellent idea to make copies of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. Luckily, there are several actions you can take to assist.
Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places where you think they might be. If you're still unable to locate them, consider looking inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.
Last but not least, contact an locksmith to see if they are able to help you find the keys you lost. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. It could be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the seat, or perhaps you put your keys down for a second to grab something and lost the track of it.
It's important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your car without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.
Consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to deal with the stress 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 when you least expect it. You could be on a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or visit my web site could be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and not remember where you put keys.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app for your phone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow others can assist you to locate them if they are not in range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if put them in an table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be assured that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.
It could be more difficult for cars that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealer to get a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the model and make of your car.
To avoid this, you should 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 the areas where you're likely to lose things.