Lost My Car Keys 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Sooner

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to know what to do.

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. 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 lead to unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). In reality the situation could be more serious. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It is important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they are often found in strange locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's recommended to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to help you search for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are 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 wore or used. If you've lost them in the store, talk to employees or customers to determine if they saw anything unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry including purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bins in case keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

It might be beneficial to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we reach for something, but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a messy spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you are able to remove the gas cap outside your car because a thief could easily see you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as they could be crushed when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a bit distracted. You may be running an errand and have your keys on the seat, or you might require two hands to carry a load of groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to all.

If you lose something, it's crucial to notify the police right immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from thieves. This is crucial in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop or in public.

Before you begin ensure that you follow your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last saw them. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea, broken in the event that you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. Luckily, there are some ways you can aid.

Start by retracing the steps you took and searching for the areas where you think they might have been left. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Lastly, call a locksmith to see if they are able to help you find the keys you lost. They may be able cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. 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 do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are instances that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a major downer on your day. You could have been on an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.

It is important to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.

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. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered before you file an insurance claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid having to go through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

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 could be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and forget the place you put the keys.

There are ways to stop this happening again. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key lost in car tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other people can help you locate them if you are out of range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys lost by always putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you put them in an entry table or an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, broken it may be a bit more challenging. It is likely that you will need to go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an updated key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home especially in areas where you are likely to lose things.