Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there's the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
You should contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unwanted 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 for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality, the situation can often be much more serious. It is crucial to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It's important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they're often found in some very odd places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost them in the store, ask employees or customers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem like common sense, but you should take the time to do it with care. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around all zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bins in the event that keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.
You could also retrace your steps and search places where the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and are eager to go home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.
Check pockets and desks that are too packed. You could also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you are able to remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.
lost car key replacement might also try hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you close the car door.
4. Call the Police
We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you've left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab the groceries. It happens to all of us.
When you lose something, it's important to call the police right immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from thieves. This is essential when you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or any other place in public.
Before you begin make sure you go back to your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last glimpsed your keys in your head. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.
5. Call an expert locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple tips you can use to aid.
Retrace your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle 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
It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it can ruin your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to take a look at something and lost track.
It is important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered before filing an insurance claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
You can lose your keys at any time. You could be out for a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this from happening again. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app for your phone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to help find your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other people can help you find them if they are lost.
You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same place every time you come home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an entry table or a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can purchase an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.
For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You'll likely need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Based on the make and model of your car this could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.