Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However, the situation can often be more grave. It is essential to keep your cool and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.
It may seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we try to find them but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and just want to get back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Check pockets and desks that are cluttered. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a crowded spot like in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those places.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure you can access the gas cap from outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.
You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly as they could be crushed when you shut the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand and have your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands free to grab a bag full of food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to everyone.
If you lose something, it is important to contact the police immediately. This way, you can make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your house, at the store, or in a public place.
Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last glimpsed your keys in your head. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. There are, however, some ways you can assist.
Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to locate them, try searching inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Finally, contact a locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able make you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. It might be that you were running an errand and accidentally left them on the seat or maybe you set your keys down for a second to grab something, but lost track of it.
It is important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This creates a paper trail and can prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting punished.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be out for a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on your phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to help you locate them if your keys are not in range.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot every time you get home. If it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, making the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider immediately. You can be sure that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not have chip) you can simply get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You will likely have go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. lost keys to car no spare 's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.