Lost My Car Keys: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. They can design an appropriate replacement key for Lost My Car Keys your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.

The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, in reality, things often take a much darker direction. If you lose your keys, it is important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It is important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very strange places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you 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 places you've used like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you lost your keys in a shop, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.

It might appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Take out all pockets that you carry around, including purses and jackets and look around every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and search places where you know they're not like the freezer or refrigerator. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. You could also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you do this make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your car from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your home or at the store or in a public place.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you glimpsed your keys in your mind. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car safe and also stop others from using it (which may result in extra expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. Luckily, there are some ways you can assist.

Retrace the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations where you think they might have been left. If you're still struggling to locate them, try searching inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to replace car keys when lost 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 replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys at times and it could make your day miserable. It could be because you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something and lost track of it.

It's important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and helps keep other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get fined.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered before filing claims.

Consider purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from going through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other people can help you find them if they are lost.

You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you arrive home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which doesn't have chip) you can simply get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

It could be more difficult for cars equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll have go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home especially in areas where you tend to lose things.