Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens it's crucial to be aware of what to do.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality things tend to take a more gloomy turn. It is essential to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. To do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them at a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem like common sense but it is important to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in the event that keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.
It may be helpful to go back again and look for places you are sure they aren't, such as the refrigerator or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're retracing your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You may also leave your keys in a crowded space, like the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to hide your keys there ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them when you close the car door.
4. Contact the police
We can lose things when we're distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to everyone.
lost car key is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from theft. This is important when you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or in public.
Before you begin, be sure to follow your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea, in the event that you have an extra car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are some things you can do to assist.
Start by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you may have abandoned them. If Click Home are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Last but not least, contact locksmiths to see if they can assist you in finding your lost keys. They might be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a massive downer on your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to grab something for a moment and lost track.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This creates a paper trail and helps to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're covered before filing claims.
You should consider purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. 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
Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be on an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long day at work and forget the place you put them.
There are ways to avoid this from happening again. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app, it will ring or flash to assist you find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other people can help you find them if they are out of range.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same place every time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. So you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which does not have a chip) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.
For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You will need go to your local dealer to get a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.