Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this eventuality.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However the situation could be more serious. It is essential to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very strange locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to retrace and search your steps. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for items, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them at the store, ask others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw something unusual.
It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around including those in jackets and purses and look around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bin in the event that keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something other.
It may be helpful to go through your steps again and search places where you are sure they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. Many times, items disappear when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and you're eager to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a congested area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure that you can 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 nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.
4. Call the police
It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of groceries. It happens to everyone.
If you have lost something, it's important to notify the police right away. i lost the keys to my car can then file a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is important when you have lost your keys outside your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Before you start, be sure to go back to your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you looked at your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of others in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and stop others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are some actions you can take to aid.
Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it could cause you to lose your day. It could be because you were running an task and left keys on the seat, or maybe you put your key down for a second to grab something but lost the track of it.
It is crucial to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid being penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to filing claims.
Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid the headache of replacing your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You could be out on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and not remember the place you put keys.
There are ways to prevent this happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to assist you in finding them in case your keys aren't in reach.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always put them in the same place each time you arrive home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. So you can be sure that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which doesn't have chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.
It may be more difficult for cars that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost you upwards of $200.
To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.