Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.
You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things that are more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and even lead to unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality things tend to take a more dire turn. If you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
It's also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they are often found in strange locations. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to go back and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem like common sense, but you should do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you including those in purses and jackets and feel around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have disappeared from your bag.
It may be helpful to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you know they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many times, items are lost 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 are eager to go home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a crowded spot such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those places.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to do this be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you close the car door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to all of us.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you will be able to file a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.
Before you start, be sure to follow your steps. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you saw your keys in your mind. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and prevent other people from using it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea should you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Call for a locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, several ways you can help.
Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you are still unable to locate them, check the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take having a quick look.
Last but not least, contact an locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able cut you a key or change your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your keys to your car at times and it could make your day miserable. You may have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being punished.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered before making claims.
Consider investing in a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be out on a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long working day and forget where you put the keys.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other people can help you locate them if they are lost.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If 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 certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which does not have a chip) you can purchase an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
find out this here could be more difficult for cars with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll need to visit your local dealer to get a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the model and make of your car.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.