Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
lost car key have no spare 'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.
Based on the model of your car the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality things can take a more gloomy turn. It is important to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to search with you for a second pair 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 such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you lost them in the store, ask employees or customers to see if they noticed anything unusual.
It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you including 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 bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.
You could also retrace your steps and search places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many items are lost when we reach 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, order pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Another popular place to hide 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. If not, a burglar may be able to 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 sure that you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running an errand and put your keys in the seat, or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to everyone.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or in public.
Before you begin ensure that you follow your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from using it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always a good idea to make a copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.
5. Call a locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, a few actions you can take to help.
Start by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you might have left them. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.
Lastly, call locksmiths to find out if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They 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 registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your keys to your car at times and it could ruin your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to take a look at something and then lost track.
It is important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered before filing a claim.
Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as 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 in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
You can lose your keys at any time. You might be running a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and not remember the place you put them.
There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the future. One of the best 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. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow others can assist you to locate them if they are lost.
You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you place them in an entry table or an iron by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You'll need to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. Based on the model and make of your car it could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.