Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there's an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality things tend to take a more dire direction. It is crucial to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they're often found in strange locations. Before taking drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets you carry including those in jackets and purses and look around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bins in case your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

It might be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you know they aren't, such as the refrigerator or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost car keys replacement near me when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and you're eager to get home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are overly packed. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a messy spot such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you do this make sure you access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a bit distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you've left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab an empty bag of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then file a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial if you lose your keys outside your home, at the store or any other place in public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw when you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea, in the event that you have an extra car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple tips you can use to help.

Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you are still unable to locate them, check the car. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.

Finally, contact a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys from time to time and it could cause you to lose your day. It could be because you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key car lost down for a moment to grab something and lost the track of it.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will create a paper trail and will help to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also help you avoid getting fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost the car key to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file a claim.

Think about investing in an Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to deal with the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You could be on an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long working day and forget the place you put keys.

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 are connected to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on the phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in locating them if your keys aren't in reach.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

Whether you've lost keys in car your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to notify your insurance company immediately. You can be assured that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you have a standard key (which doesn't have a chip) you can get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.

For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.