Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come a time when you lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can create an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

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

It is important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in strange places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and trace your steps. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you lost them in the store, ask employees or customers to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.

It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you carry, including purses and jackets, and make sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It might be beneficial to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items go missing 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 go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

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 clothing items. You could also leave your keys in a congested area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.

4. Contact the police

It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry the food items. Whatever the reason it happens to all.

It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your house, at the store, or in a public place.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are some things you can do to help.

Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They may be able cut you a key or change the locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it can make your day miserable. It might be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you put your keys down for a moment to grab something and lost car key replacement price the track of it.

It is crucial to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and will help prevent people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as I Lost The Key To My Car to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered before you file an claim.

Keep an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Keys can be lost keys car at any moment. You could be on an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember the place you put keys.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them if your keys are out of range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same place every time you come home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, keeping the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider immediately. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. It is likely that you will need go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the model and make of your car.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.