Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality things tend to take a darker turn. It is crucial to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. To accomplish this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

1. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you lost them in a store, ask other customers or workers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.

It might appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry such as those in jackets and purses, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bins in the event that keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items are lost when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.

1. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to do this ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.

1. Call the Police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you have left your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to grab the groceries. It happens to all of us.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from theft. This is essential when you have lost your keys outside your home, at the shop or any other place in public.

Before you start make sure you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the last time you looked at your keys in your head. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and also stop others from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it's always recommended to create an exact copy of it in case this happens to you again.

1. Call a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, a few ways you can aid.

Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.

1. Call Your Insurance Agent

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

It's important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and can prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get fined.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are covered before making a claim.

You should consider investing in the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the headache of replacing your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

1. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening 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 the phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in finding the keys if they are out of reach.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

1. Get a Replacement Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. That way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.
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