Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this eventuality.
Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract lost vehicle keys
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality things can take a darker direction. It is essential to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
It's important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in odd locations. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. To do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to search with you for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.
2. 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 in bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Check the zippered areas. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
lost vehicle keys might be beneficial to go through your steps again and look for places you know they're not, such as the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items disappear when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.
While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a congested area like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those places.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little distracted. You could be running an errand and have your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands free to carry a load of groceries. It happens to everyone.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or any other place in public.
Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last saw your keys in your mind. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key it's a good idea to make an exact copy of it in case this happens to you again.
5. Call a Locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are, however, a few ways you can help.
Begin by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Last but not least, contact an locksmith to find out if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which could take a few days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a major impact on your day. You might have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.
It's important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to take them in as personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you're covered before making an insurance claim.
Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car keys 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 at the time you least expect it. You might be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on the phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to help you locate them in case your keys are out of reach.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always put them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you place them in an table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will help you 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 company immediately. You can be sure that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not contain a chip) you can simply get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.
It may be more difficult for cars equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. car lost key replacement will likely have to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.