Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.
Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more serious. It is important to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to search with you for a second pair of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're still not finding your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you lost them in the store, ask other customers or workers to determine if they saw anything unusual.
It may appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags 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 look around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.
It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and look for places you know they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.
While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothing items. You could also leave your keys in a busy space, like the door handle or refrigerator.
Under Keep Reading is another common place to hide. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.
4. Contact the police
It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up the groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to everyone.
If you have lost something, it's important to contact the police away. You can then make a police report to protect your car from theft. This is crucial in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or any other place in public.
Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head 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. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few easy things you can try to assist.
Start by retracing your steps and looking for areas you think you might have left them. If you're still unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it can ruin your day. You may have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.
It is important to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from being punished.
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 to confirm that you are insured prior to making a claim.
Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be on the run and you forget to place them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and can't remember where you put them.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to assist you find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other users can help you locate them if they are lost.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to keep them in the same place each time you return home. Whether it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, making the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. That way, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. It is likely that you will need to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.