Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this scenario.
Depending on the vehicle you have 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 lost keys to car
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even lead you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. It is important to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. In order to do this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something different.
It may seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Check all zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bins in case your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. 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 been working hard all day and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these places.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar might be able see you hiding your keys under your car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
We can lose things when we're distracted. You might be running an errand and have your keys on the seat, or you might just require two hands to carry a load of food items. It happens to all of us.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.
Before you start ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last saw them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.
5. Contact for a locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, especially if they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy ways to aid.
Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you may have left them. If you're still unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth taking a look.
Finally, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. It could be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down for a moment to grab something and lost the track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to take them in as personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that 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 forget to put them down on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help you find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow other users can help you find them if they are out of range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. If it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, keeping an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.
For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You'll likely need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Based on the model and make of your car this could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.