Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens it is crucial to be prepared.
Based on the model of your car, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even trigger unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. It is important to remain calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. In order to do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for items, because a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bins in case your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
You can also trace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. 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 had a long day and you're eager to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a messy spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these areas.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you close the car door.
4. Call the Police
We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry a bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs 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 step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your house or at the store or at a location that is public.
Before you begin ensure that you follow your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you seen them. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help to ensure your car's security and stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always recommended to create a copy of it in the event that this occurs again.
5. Contact for a locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few easy ways to assist.
Start by retracing your steps and looking for areas you think you might have left them. If you still can't find them, look in the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. g28carkeys can use your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key according to your particular situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. It could be because you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or perhaps you put your key down to grab something but lost track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from getting penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered before you file an claim.
Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least would. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget where you put them.
There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to assist you in finding the keys if they aren't in range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same spot each time you return home. Whether 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. Find a replacement key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company immediately. You can be certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll need go to your local dealer to purchase a new key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere other than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.