lost car key My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this situation.
You should call a locksmith, or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These professionals can create keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). In reality the situation could be much more serious. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you, as a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them in a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem like common sense, but you should do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around including purses and jackets and be sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycle bins in case keys got
lost spare car key in your bag and were crushed by something else.
You can also trace your steps and search places where the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and just want to go home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too packed. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a little distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to all.
If you lose something, it is important to call the police right immediately. This way, you will be able to file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or any other place in public.
Before you begin ensure that you follow your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. It is also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and stop others from using it (which may result in extra costs such as new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea in the event that you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few easy things you can try to aid.
Retrace the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas where you think they might be. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are times that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a massive impact on your day. It could be because you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you put your keys down to grab something but lost the track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your car without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you'
i ve lost my car keys what can i do reported them as
lost my keys to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered before filing a claim.
Consider purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You might be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other users to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in reach.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to place them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook by the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You will need go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost upwards of $200.
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 the place where you are likely to lose things.