7 Simple Changes That'll Make A Huge Difference In Your Lost My C…

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. In the event of this happening, it's important to be aware of what to do.

Based on the model of your car the first phone call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even lead to unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality things can take a more gloomy direction. If you lose your keys, it is important to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them at the store, ask employees or customers to determine if they saw anything unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around such as purses and jackets and look around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bins in the event that your 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 refrigerator or freezer. 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 been working hard all day and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to lose your keys in a congested area, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand and have your keys in the seat, or you might just need two free hands to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you saw them. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help ensure your car's security and stop others from stealing it (which may result in extra 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. Call a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are, however, some ways you can aid.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places where you think they might be. If you're still unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Lastly, call an locksmith to see if they can help you find your lost keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to replace car keys when lost to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your keys to your car at times and it can make your day miserable. You might have been running an easy errand broken and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This creates a paper trail and can prevent people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from being fined.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, broken it's best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file an insurance claim.

Consider purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least would. You could be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to help you locate the keys if they are not in range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same place each time you return home. If it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately if you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. That way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can simply get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.

For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. This could cost you up to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.