Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be prepared.

You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and can even result in unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However, the situation can often be much more serious. When you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. In order to do this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you've lost them at a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed something unusual.

It might seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bins in case your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

It might be beneficial to go back again and search places where you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items get lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are cluttered. It's also common to leave keys in a congested area, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You may be running an errand and have your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands free to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.

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

Before you start ensure that you go back to your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, some things you can do to assist.

Retrace the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you're unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Finally, contact locksmiths to see if they are able to assist you in finding your lost My car key keys. They might be able to cut you a key or change your locks, if necessary. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, make sure to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. It could take for several days for replacing a lost car key dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a massive downer on your day. It might be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left them on the seat or maybe you put your key down to grab something and i lost my car keys the track of it.

It is crucial to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This can also allow you to avoid being punished.

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 contact your agent to confirm that you're covered before making a claim.

Keep an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid the stress of having to replace your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any time. You could be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on the phone. Once you open the app, it will ring or flash to help find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in locating the keys if they are out of range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always place them in the same spot every time you get home. If it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, keeping an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've replacing lost car keys your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. This way you can be sure 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 doesn't have chip) you can purchase a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.

It may be more difficult for cars that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.