Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this situation.
You should call a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and can even result in unwanted calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more serious. When you lose your keys, it's important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for you, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.
It may appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Take out all pockets you carry, including those in purses and jackets and be sure to check every zippered space. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't, such as the refrigerator or freezer. Sometimes, items go missing when we try to find them but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and you're eager to go home, put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.
While replacing lost car keys going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a crowded spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these areas.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to do this make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.
You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
4. Call the police
It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You may be running a quick errand and have your keys on the seat or you might just require two hands free to pick up a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from theft. This is essential in the event that you have lost your keys outside your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Before you do this, be sure to go back to your steps. Recreate the scene from the last time you glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your car safe and also stop other people from using it (which may result in extra costs such as new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea in the event that you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Call a locksmith
It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple things you can try to aid.
Retrace the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations in which you think they could have been left. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take having a quick look.
Lastly, call a locksmith to find out if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut keys or replace the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it could make your day miserable. You might have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to grab something for a moment and 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 can keep others from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid getting penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.
Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and forget where you placed the keys.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on your phone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to help you locate the keys if they aren't in reach.
You can also prevent losing your keys by always putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to notify your insurance company immediately. That way you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which doesn't have chips) you can simply get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest 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 model and make of your car this could cost you upwards of $200.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office especially in areas that you tend to drop things.