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 is crucial to know what to do.
Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts 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 lots of stress and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). But, in reality, things often take a much more gloomy direction. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. To do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you've lost them at a store, ask employees or customers to determine if they saw anything out of the ordinary.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious but it is important to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycle bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
You can also trace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many times, items are lost when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.
Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.
4. Contact the police
It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to all of us.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can submit a claim and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.
Before you begin make sure you follow your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last seen them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's recommended to create an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are some ways you can help.
Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you're still struggling to locate them, try checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Finally, contact locksmiths to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle 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. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. It could be because you were running an errand and accidentally left them on the seat or maybe you set your key down for a second to grab something but lost track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and will help to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being penalized.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an claim.
Think about investing in the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You might be running an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long workday and forget the place you put keys.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. lost car key no spare of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to assist you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to help you locate them if your keys are not in range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot every time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You'll have go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere other than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.