Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. In the event of this happening, it's important to know what to do.
Based on the model of your car the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even trigger unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality, things can take a more gloomy turn. It is essential to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
It's important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very unusual locations. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they noticed something unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Check the zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bins in the event that keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something else.
You can also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items go missing when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and are eager to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly packed. It's also common to leave keys in a crowded spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
4. Contact the police
It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up the groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to every person.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you can make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is crucial when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it's recommended to create an exact copy of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Call an expert locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are, however, a few things you can do to aid.
Retrace the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth having a quick look.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace the locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.
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. You might have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will leave a trail on paper and will help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting punished.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to making claims.
Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will eliminate the stress of having to replace your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. lost car keys might be running a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember where you put the keys.
Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. Suggested Internet site that allow others to assist you in locating them in case your keys are not in reach.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot every time you get home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, making the habit will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be sure that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and least expensive alternative.
It could be more difficult for vehicles with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.