Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.
Based on the model of your car the first phone call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There are few things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even lead to unwanted calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In lost key in car , the situation can often be much more serious. When you lose your keys, it's essential to be calm and not panic. lost key car can then retrace the steps.
Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. In order to do this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.
It may seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Take out all pockets that you carry around such as purses and jackets and be sure to check every zippered space. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You can also retrace your steps and search places where the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. lost key in car are lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and you're eager to go home, put on your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. 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 be sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to do this, make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
4. Contact the police
It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to grab the food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to every person.
If you have lost something, it is important to notify the police right immediately. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is crucial in the event that you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or in public.
Before you start ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you observed them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy tips you can use to help.
Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you may have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, according to your particular situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. It might be that you were running an task and left keys on the floor or perhaps you put your key down to grab something but lost track of it.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also help you avoid getting fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to making an insurance claim.
Think about purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Keys can be lost at any time. You could be on a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long day at work and not remember where you put the keys.
There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on the phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other people can help you find them if they are out of range.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to put them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company immediately. That way you can be sure that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not contain a chip) you can get an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll likely need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office especially in areas where you are likely to lose things.