lost My Spare car key My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be prepared.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). However it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. It is important to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in some very strange locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. To do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to help you search, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost them in a store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed something unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Check the zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from 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 freezer or refrigerator. A lot of times, things disappear when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a congested area such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to do this be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the Police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you've left your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry the groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to everyone.

If you have lost something, it's important to contact the police immediately. This way, you can file a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is important when you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you saw your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your car safe and also stop other people from using it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing lost keys door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's a good idea to make copies of it in case this happens to you again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. Luckily, there are several things you can do to assist.

Begin by retracing your steps and looking for areas you think you might have left them. If you still can't find them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth a quick look in there.

Finally, contact locksmiths to see if they can help you find the keys you lost. They may be able cut you a key or change the locks if required. 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. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a massive impact on your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.

Reporting a lost car keys or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This creates a paper trail and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting penalized.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to filing a claim.

Keep an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost my car key at any time. You could be on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long working day and not remember the place you put the keys.

There are ways to stop this from happening again. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on your phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in reach.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, making a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. This way you can be assured that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain chips) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.

It may be more difficult for cars that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.