Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to know what to do.
Based on the model of your car, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause a lot of anxiety and even trigger unpleasant calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality things tend to take a more gloomy turn. It is crucial to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. To do this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you for you, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like
key lost in car hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost them at the store, talk to employees or customers to determine if they saw something unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.
You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and you're eager to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.
Check pockets and desks that are packed. You can also put your keys in a busy area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. However, if you do this, make sure you remove the gas cap outside your car because a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the police
We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an errand and put your keys on the seat or you might need two free hands to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to all of us.
When you lose something, it is important to contact the police away. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are
lost car keys how to replace outside of your house, at the store, or somewhere else public.
Before you start ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make a copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Contact for a locksmith
Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. There are a few easy tips you can use to aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you're still unable to find them, try searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take having a quick look.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. 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 ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key according to your particular situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it could cause you to lose your day. It might be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down for a moment to grab something, but
lost car keys replacement cost uk track of it.
It is crucial to report
lost the keys to my car keys immediately to the police. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to making a claim.
You should consider purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be
lost car key how to replace at any time. You could be on an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long working day and forget the place you put keys.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the future. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to assist you find your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow others can assist you to find them if they are out of range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if put them in an table or hang them on 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 key car your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider immediately. So, you can rest sure that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.
It may be more difficult for vehicles with an electronic key and an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.