Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how organized you are. When this happens, it's important to be prepared.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement 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, create lots of stress and even lead to unwanted calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality, things often take a much more dire turn. It is essential to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search 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 can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you've i lost the keys to my car them at the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may appear obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It could be beneficial to go back again and search places where you know they're not like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.

While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Contact the police

We can lose things when we're distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to every person.

If you have lost something, it is important to call the police right away. This way, you can submit a claim and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from when you last looked at your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of 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 you lose it.

5. Contact a locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are several ways you can aid.

Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're still unable to find them, try searching inside the car keys lost what to do. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Last but not least, contact an locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They might be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your keys to your car at times and it can ruin your day. It might be that you were running an task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your keys down for a moment to grab something and lost car keys with no spare the track of it.

It is important to report lost car keys keys - sites - as soon as possible to the police. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your car without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an insurance claim.

Think about purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Keys can be lost car keys how to replace at any moment. You could be on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long day at work and forget where you placed them.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in finding them in case your keys are out of reach.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in an table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive alternative.

It may be more difficult for cars with smart keys and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get a new key. Based on the make and model of your car, this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere other than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in areas where you lose things.