Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there's the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. In the event of this happening, it's important to be aware of what to do.
You should call a locksmith, or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unwanted phone calls 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 always the case). In reality the situation could be much more serious. It is essential to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
It's important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in unusual places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something different.
It may appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.
It may be helpful to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you know they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many things are lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Check pockets and desks that are too filled with. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you remove the gas cap outside your car as a thief could easily see you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry the food items. Whatever the reason it happens to every person.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you can submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home or at the store or in a public place.
Before you start, be sure to go back to your steps. Recreate the scene from the last time you looked at your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always an excellent idea to make copies of it in the event that this happens to you again.
5. Contact a locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few basic tips you can use to assist.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and searching for the areas where you think they might have been left. If you're unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you lose your car keys, and it can put a huge damper on your day. lost car key and no spare may have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.
It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper trail and can keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered prior to making a claim.
Consider investing in a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on the phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other users can help you locate them if they are out of range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by always putting them in the same place every time you come home. It doesn't matter if put them in an table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If 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 rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.
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 need go to your local dealer to purchase a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.