Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how organized you are. When this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and even lead to unpleasant calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

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

Keep in mind that many things aren't lost car key forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. To accomplish this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to help you search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in common places like key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something different.

Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Clean out all pockets that you carry around including those in jackets and Lost My Car Keys purses, and make sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It may be helpful to go back again and search places where you know they're not, such as the fridge or freezer. 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 long day and just want to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothes. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to do this ensure that you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car key lost.

You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you have left your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can make a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is essential if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store, or anywhere else in public.

Before you start ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's always a good idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic tips you can use to help.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas you believe they may be. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

When you do call a locksmith, make sure to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. You might have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid getting penalized.

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 to confirm that you're insured prior to making a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will eliminate the stress of having to replace your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You might be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.

Luckily, Lost My Car Keys there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same place every time you arrive home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, establishing an habit of this will make finding them easier 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. So you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. It is likely that you will need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get a new key. This could cost you up to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you can't find things.