Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. If this happens it is crucial to know what to do.

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

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. It is essential to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things are not lost key fob forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It may be helpful to go back again and search places where you are sure they aren't, such as the refrigerator 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 had a tough day and just want to get back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure 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 might also try hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you close the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a bit distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you've left your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to every person.

If you lose something, it's important to call the police right immediately. This way, you can submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is important in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, at the store, or anywhere else in public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last looked at your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and prevent other people from using it (which may result in extra expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea should you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy ways to help.

Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places where you think they might have been left. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Lastly, call locksmiths to see if they can help you find your lost the keys to my car keys. They might be able to cut you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, make sure to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you lose your car keys and it can put a massive impact on your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost car key with no spare track.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to car no spare key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. It also stops you from being punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost Key replacement near me to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to making claims.

Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the stress of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could 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 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 near future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other people can help you locate them if they are lost car key replacement near me.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always put them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an entry table or a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.

It may be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.