10 Quick Tips About Lost My Car Keys

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. In the event of this happening, it's important to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, in reality, things tend to take a more dire direction. When you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you lost keys replacement them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they noticed anything unusual.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around, including purses and jackets and check every zippered space. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places you know the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost my car Key when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and just want to go home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly packed. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you are able to remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you close the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You might be running a quick errand and put your keys in the seat, or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to every person.

If you have lost something, it is important to contact the police away. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house or at the store or at a location that is public.

Before you do this make sure you go back to your steps. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you glimpsed your keys in your head. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make copies of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Contact a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few basic ways to help.

Start by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you still can't find them, check the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if necessary. They also 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 registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. It might be that you were running an task and left them on the seat or maybe you put your key down to grab something but lost the track of it.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will leave a trail on paper and helps to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from being penalized.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered before making claims.

Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many other options available. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long day at work and forget where you put the keys.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent 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 wallet or keyring and connect to an app on the phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in locating the keys if they aren't in range.

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

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. So you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which doesn't have chips) you can simply get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You'll have to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home, especially the place where you tend to lose things.