Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be much more serious. It is important to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to join you in your search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you've lost them at the store, ask employees or customers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Examine every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.
You could also retrace your footsteps and search in places where you know it is not, such as the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things disappear when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and just want to get home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're retracing your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you choose to hide your keys there be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally smash them when you close the car door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little distracted. You might be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat, or you might require two hands free to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to all of us.
If you lose something, it's important to call the police right away. This way, you can file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important if you have lost your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.
Before you do this, be sure to retrace your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help to keep your car safe and prevent other people from using it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple ways to aid.
Start by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to locate them, consider looking inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Lastly, call an locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your keys to your car at times and it can make your day miserable. It might be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you set your keys down to grab something but lost the track of it.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will create a paper trail and can to stop 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 and your homeowner's insurance could cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered before filing an insurance claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
You can lose your keys at any moment. You might be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
There are ways to stop this from happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on the phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in finding them if your keys aren't in range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if put them in an entry table or a hook by the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is essential to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. So you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not have chips) you can simply get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. try this web-site is usually the quickest and least expensive option.
It might be more difficult for cars equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.