Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
Depending on your vehicle the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things that are more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality the situation could be more serious. It is essential to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. To do this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.
It may seem obvious to look in your bags and pockets for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Take out all pockets you have on you such as purses and jackets, and make sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
lost car key no spare G28 Car Keys can also trace your steps and look in places where the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we reach 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 comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too packed. You may also leave your keys in a congested space, like the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also hide your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you close the car door.
4. Call the police
We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up the food items. It happens to all of us.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can make a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.
Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last seen them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea, in the event that you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Call a locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few easy things you can try to aid.
Retrace your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still not able to locate them, check the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a major downer on your day. It could be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down for a moment to grab something, but lost the track of it.
It is important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This creates a paper trail and helps to stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid getting punished.
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 to confirm that you're insured prior to making claims.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember the place you put the keys.
There are ways to stop this happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on the phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to assist you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow other users can help you locate them if you are lost.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in an table in the entryway or on 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
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to notify your insurance company right away. You can be sure that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.
If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.
For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, this could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office, especially the place that you tend to drop things.