Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to DoYou will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how to replace lost car key organized you are. If this happens, broken it's important to be aware of what to do.
You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even lead you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality, things often take a much more dire direction. When you lose your keys, it's essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. To accomplish this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key car lost hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost a car key them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Clean out all pockets you have on you including those in purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bins in case your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.
It may be helpful to retrace your steps once again and search places where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and just want to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.
Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. You may also leave your keys in a crowded space, like the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you can open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to all of us.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then file a police report to protect your car from thieves. This is important if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the shop or any other place in public.
Before you begin ensure that you go back to your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last looked at your keys in your head. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and stop others from stealing it (which may result in extra costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Call a locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. There are a few easy tips you can use to aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas in which you think they could be. If you're unable to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.
Lastly, call a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a new key, depending on your situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a massive damper on your day. It could be because you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or maybe you put your keys down for a moment to grab something but lost track of it.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered before you file an insurance claim.
You should consider investing in a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to deal with 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
Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to stop this happening again. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to help you locate them if your keys aren't in range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. If it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately if you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. That way, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.
It might be more difficult for vehicles equipped with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll need go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.