Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. If this happens it's crucial to be prepared.

You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can create keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone, 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 always the case). But, in reality things often take a much more dire turn. It is crucial to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Remember that many things aren't lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. To do this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for you, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

1. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you've lost them at a store, ask employees or customers to determine if they saw anything unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bin in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

It may be helpful to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things disappear when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

1. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys have disappeared.

Examine desks and pockets that are filled with. You can also put your keys in a congested space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys there be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

1. Call the police

Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a bit distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up the food items. It happens to everyone.

If you lose something, it's important to contact the police away. This way, you can file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside your home at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.

Before you start, be sure to follow your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you seen them. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs such as new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

1. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, several things you can do to aid.

Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut you a key or change the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, according to your particular situation.

1. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will create a paper trail and helps to stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also allow you to avoid being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to make sure you're covered before filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will help you avoid the stress of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

1. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be on the run and forget to put them down on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this from happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app, it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in finding them if your keys aren't in reach.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same place every time you get home. It doesn't matter if you put them in an table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

1. Get lost key in car

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider immediately. So you can be assured that your claim will be dealt with 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 locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

It might be more difficult for cars equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. Depending on the make and model of your car this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home especially in areas where you are likely to lose things.
lost key in car