Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even trigger unwanted calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). In reality, the situation can often be more serious. It is essential to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is important to keep in mind that most things aren't i Lost My car keys forever, i lost my car keys and they're often found in some very odd locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. In order to do 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 to assist you for you, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Examining your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense, but you should take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets you have on you such as purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bins in case your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also trace your steps and search places where you know it isn't, like the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things disappear when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are overly filled with. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you are able to open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Call the police

We can lose things when we're distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry a bag of food items. It happens to every person.

If you have lost key replacement near me something, it's crucial to contact the police away. This way, you can make a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.

Before you do this ensure that you go back to your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you seen them. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help ensure your car's security and stop others from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are, however, several ways you can aid.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas in which you think they could have been left. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to help you find the keys you lost. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you lose your car keys lost replacement keys, and it can put a huge impact on your day. It could be that you were running a quick task and left them on the seat or maybe you set your keys down to grab something, I lost my car Keys but lost the track of it.

It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered before making an insurance claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could 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 an extended day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same place every time you get home. If it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, making a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. This way you can be sure that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive alternative.

It may be more difficult for vehicles equipped with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.