Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even trigger unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However the situation could be more serious. It is important to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for you, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something out of the ordinary.
It might seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Clean out all pockets that you carry around such as those in jackets and purses and feel around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.
It could be beneficial to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you know they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things go missing when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to lose your keys in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to do this ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you close the car door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you have left your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry an empty bag of food items. It happens to all of us.
If you have lost something, it's important to contact the police away. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is crucial if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store or in public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your mind. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using 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. Call a Locksmith
It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a hurry. Luckily, there are several ways you can help.
Start by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you may have left them. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.
Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. lost car keys replacement g28carkeys includes your vehicle registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second 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 will help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from being 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. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are covered prior to making a 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 the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least would. You might be out for a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to help you locate the keys if they are not in range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys 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 a hook near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider immediately. That way, you can rest sure that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which does not have chips) you can purchase an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.
It may be more difficult for cars with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.