Lost My Car Keys 10 Things I Wish I'd Known In The Past

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. In the event of this happening it's crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design an appropriate replacement key for 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 lots of stress and can even result in unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

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 more gloomy turn. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost auto key replacement them at a store, ask others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw something unusual.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense however, you must be thorough. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine the zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bins in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

You could also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we reach for them but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and on your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a messy spot, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you are able to open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you close the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you may require two hands free to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to everyone.

If you have lost something, it's crucial to call the police right immediately. You can then make a police report to 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.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you seen them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could lead to costs like new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few easy tips you can use to help.

Start by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

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

When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. It might be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your key down to grab something but lost the track of it.

It is crucial to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also help you avoid getting penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to filing an insurance claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid 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 can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be on an errand lost My car Keys and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember where you put them.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on your phone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that others can assist you to locate them if you are out of range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep 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 hanger near the door, keeping a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

If you own a standard key (which doesn't have a chip) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.

It might be more difficult for cars with smart keys and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get a new key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the model and make of your car.

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.