lost my car keys (Full Article)? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even lead you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not, losing your keys lost for car can occur to anyone.

The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However it is possible for the situation to be more serious. If you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and retrace the steps.

It is important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in unusual locations. Before taking drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you for you, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you've replacing lost keys to a car them in the store, ask employees or customers to see if they noticed something unusual.

It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bin in case your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

It may be helpful to go back time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and are eager to go home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are too filled with. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a messy spot such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you can access the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

We can lose things when we're distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to grab a bag of groceries. It happens to every person.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is crucial in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or in public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last saw your keys in your mind. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy things you can try to help.

Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you are still unable to locate them, check the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys from time to time and it could make your day miserable. You might have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to grab something for a moment and lost track.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without permission. It also stops you from being punished.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing claims.

Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least would. You might be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to help you locate them if your keys aren't in reach.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you put them in a bowl on the table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. You can be assured that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not have chip) you can purchase an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You will likely have visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. This can 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 in a different location than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.