Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to be prepared.

You should call a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design an appropriate replacement key 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. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However it is possible for the situation to be more grave. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you for items, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you've lost them at a store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed something unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem like common sense, but you should take the time to do it with care. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around all zippered areas. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It may be helpful to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you know they're not like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items get lost when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to get home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a messy spot, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car key lost what to do. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you are able to remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.

4. Contact the police

It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry an empty bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys Lost My Car Key outside of your home or at the store or somewhere else public.

Before you do this, be sure to retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from when you last saw your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event you lose it.

5. Call an expert locksmith prices for lost car keys

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple things you can try to help.

Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you may have left them. If you still can't find them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left them on the seat or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something and lost a car key the track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will save you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least would. You might be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your 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 users can help you find them if they are not in range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. So you'll be able to rest assured 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 purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.

It could be more difficult for cars that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll have go to your local dealer to get a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost you upwards of $200.

To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office especially in areas where you tend to lose things.