Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this situation.
Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unpleasant phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality, things can take a more dire direction. It is important to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It is also important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in some very strange places. Before taking drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. To do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to search with you for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and
key examining common areas like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something different.
It may appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry, including purses and jackets and check every zippered space. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bins in case your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something else.
You can also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items go missing when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are packed. You may also leave your keys in a congested area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you do this, make sure you open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.
You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you've left your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up the groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to all.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from thieves. This is essential if you lose your keys outside your home, at the store or any other place in public.
Before you do this ensure that you go back to your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last seen them. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and also stop other people from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a Locksmith
Many people forget where they placed their keys,
key especially when they're busy or distracted. Luckily, there are some ways you can assist.
Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If you're unable to locate them, consider looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor and it's worth having a quick look.
Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able make you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which could take a few days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a massive downer on your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you put your keys down to grab something but lost track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost
key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and can keep others from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being punished.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to check with your agent to ensure you're covered before you file an insurance claim.
You should consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate 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
It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be out on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and not remember where you put them.
There are ways to stop this happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app for your phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to help you locate the keys if they are out of reach.
You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. If it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, making a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
If you'
i ve lost my car keys lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company immediately. So you can be assured that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not contain chips) you can get an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.