Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to know what to do.
Based on the model of your car the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality, things tend to take a darker direction. It is important to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you for you, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've
i lost the keys to my car them at the store, talk to others who are customers or employees to see if they noticed anything unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might seem obvious but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around, including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bins in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
You can also trace your footsteps and search in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many items get
lost key fob when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Examine desks and pockets that are overly packed. You could also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you are able to open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.
You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you close the car door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.
If you have lost something, it's crucial to notify the police right away. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is essential if you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or any other place in public.
Before you start make sure you retrace your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you saw them. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always a good idea to make an exact copy of it in the event that this occurs again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy ways to assist.
Retrace the steps you took and searching for the areas where you think they might be. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Finally, contact locksmiths to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a
replacement lost car keys key, according to your particular situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. You may have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to grab something for a moment and lost track.
Reporting a stolen or
Lost Key for car what to do key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your car without permission. This will also help you avoid getting punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to check with your agent to ensure you're covered before filing an claim.
Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app for your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that others can assist you to find them if they are out of range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, making a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. So, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.
It might be more difficult for cars that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will likely have visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Depending on the model and make of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys.