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Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. If this happens, it's important to be aware of what to do.

Based on the model of your car, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a more gloomy turn. It is crucial to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Remember that many things aren't lost my key forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Therefore, broken before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to help you search, broken as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you've lost them in the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they have noticed something unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense however, you must take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets you carry, including those in purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bin in case your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and just want to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Check pockets and desks that are overly filled with. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a messy spot like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you close the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to grab a bag full of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to all.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then file 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 store, or in a public place.

Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from the last time you looked at your keys in your mind. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea should you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Call for a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple tips you can use to assist.

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

Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use 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. Call Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it can ruin your day. You might have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.

Reporting a stolen or lost car keys replacement key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will leave a trail on paper and helps keep others from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to making claims.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You could be on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on the phone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in finding them if your keys are out of reach.

You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, making an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. This way you'll be able to rest assured that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not contain chips) you can get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.

For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.