Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. In the event of this happening, it's important to know what to do.
You should contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract replace lost car key
There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality, things often take a much more dire direction. It is essential to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they're often found in strange places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. In order to do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.
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, look for them in bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you lost them in a store, ask other customers or workers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry, including those in jackets and purses and be sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It might be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you know they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. Many times, items go missing when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.
While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to leave keys in a crowded spot such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.
Under the car is another common place to hide. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.
You can also hide 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 when you shut the car door.
4. Call the Police
It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to every person.
When you lose something, it's crucial to call the police right immediately. This way, you can make a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your home or at the store or at a location that is public.
Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you saw your keys in your mind. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and stop other people from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's always an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Contact a locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. Luckily, there are a few ways you can aid.
Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, check the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth taking a look.
Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they can help you find the keys you lost. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys from time to time and it can cause you to lose your day. It could be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down for a second to grab something, but lost the track of it.
It's important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get fined.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are covered before making a claim.
Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be out on an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget the place you put keys.
There are ways to prevent this happening again. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on the phone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to help find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you find them if they are not in range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you come home. If it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, making a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. You can be assured that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.
For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. Based on the make and model of your car it could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.