Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost car key replacement near me at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. In the event of this happening, it's important to know what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality, things often take a much darker turn. It is essential to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you lost key to car your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something out of the ordinary.

It may appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you carry such as those in jackets and purses, and make sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they're not, such as the fridge or freezer. 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 worked hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and binge 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 as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to lose your keys in a congested area like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you access the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Call the police

We are prone to lose things when we're distracted. You could be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands free to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then make a police report to protect your car from theft. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your home or at the store or at a location that is public.

Before you do this make sure you follow your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys lost keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, in the event that you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. Luckily, there are some ways you can aid.

Retrace the steps you've taken and searching in the places in which you think they could have been left. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Lastly, call an locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able cut you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. 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. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you lose your car keys, and it can put a massive damper on your day. You may have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and lost my car keys no spare track.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper trail and will help keep others from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid getting fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least would. You could be running a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. 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 users to assist you in finding them if your keys aren't in range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to place them in the same spot every time you get home. If it's in the bowl on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. You can be certain that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll have to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. This could cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home, especially the place where you tend to lose things.