Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. In the event of this happening, it's important to be prepared.

You should call an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

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

Remember that many things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you lost key what to do your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.

Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You can also trace your steps and search places where you know it is not, such as the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things are lost car key what to do when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and just want to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly packed. It's also common to lose your keys in a messy spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those places.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys there ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we're a bit distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry the groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.

If you have lost something, it's important to call the police right immediately. This way, you can make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost my car key outside your home, at the store, or somewhere else public.

Before you start ensure that you go back to your steps. Recreate the scene from when you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. It is also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a locksmith

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

Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you might have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth taking a look.

Lastly, call a locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key according to your particular situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a massive downer on your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have sat down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.

It is important to report a lost keys in car key immediately to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your car without permission. It also stops you from being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as replacing lost keys to a car my car key, blog post from Gstd, 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 are insured prior to filing an insurance claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You might be running an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long day at work and not remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in locating them in case your keys aren't in reach.

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

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. This way you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

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

For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You'll have to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home, especially the place that you tend to drop things.