What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. Things can get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips and other chores.
The most important thing to remember is not to be in a panic. Finding the key usually involves repeating your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most common items that are lost. It could happen to anyone, whether you're on an errand, unable to concentrate while getting out of your vehicle or even at home trying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. If you've lost keys to your car, there are some things you can do before calling a locksmith for help.
In the beginning, you'll need to go back and trace your steps. This can be a challenge in a state of panic, but it's important to keep track of exactly where you last saw your keys and the places you went following that. It might also be helpful to note down your steps, to be able to look them up in the future.
If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it could be time to begin looking in more obvious places. Be sure to check any pockets or bags that you've worn during the day, and in your home. Remember, your keys will likely be in close proximity - they're just not in a convenient location. You can also locate your keys by examining other items they are usually associated with such as the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've gone through all of these options but still can't find your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do, try these suggestions to prevent your keys from disappearing in the near future:
2. Find a spare key
It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets, couch cushions or even simply by themselves. It used to be easy to replace keys that were lost at any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in technology for key fobs, it's become much more difficult to find an alternative for keys that have been lost.
For this reason, it's ideal to keep a spare key in your car. A spare key can save you from having to call an tow truck and make getting your vehicle back if you happen to losing your keys much simpler. It's best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain so that it isn't as easy to lose. If you don't have an extra key, think about having one made to minimize the chance of losing your keys.
You can usually have an old-fashioned car key made at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on the car's model. However, it is important to note that the dealer might need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
Many modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car with a remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only solution to get your car started once more is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and let them pair a new fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same spot each when you return home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty your pockets
The loss of your car keys is an awful feeling. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Doing something to solve your issue won't help and may even make it worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to solve your issue as fast as possible.
Begin by going back through your day and remembering the last time you used them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to search all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also go back through your steps to determine whether you've found them elsewhere. Also, you can check your car to see whether they've been abandoned there, but you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you have searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. You can also look in your freezer and fridge. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and look around the inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to connect them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will make it easier to locate them because they are louder and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Contact the police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting your lost car keys immediately is essential to ensure that you do not have to be concerned about someone using your car or entering your home. The early reporting of your loss will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They will be able inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. They'll also provide advice on preventative steps to take. If your keys haven't been discovered, they'll likely ask you to provide information about the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior to the incident occurred.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically The first thing to do is to look in your bags, pockets, and wherever else you typically carry the keys. After you've done that, walk back through your day and try to recall the place you lost keys. It's possible that you put them down on a counter, or went into your bag to get something, and keys were thrown out.
This can only be done by a dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. It could cost a couple hundred dollars or more, based on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also contact emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible via the GEICO mobile app. This service will save you money and time by delivering an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
If you're out running errands and leave your car keys in the trunk for a moment and they'll be gone. This is a scenario that occurs all too often, as lost car keys are the third most lost item in America1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. But you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
Having a spare key can aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys and makes it easier to find.
If you can't locate the keys to your car, contact a locksmith who will come and replace them. The locksmith can create a new key for you as long as you have proof that you are the owner, such as your car's title or registration.
Suggested Web site are the easiest to replace, however when you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealership to have one made for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but be sure to check to see whether the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific car.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience However, it does not have to be. You can retrieve your keys by following these tips. Keep calm, and don't panic! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.