Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys lost keys. It's important to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit 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 day, create a lot of anxiety and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality things often take a much darker turn. It is essential to stay calm and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you lost car key replacement your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.

It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bins in the event that keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and search places where you know they're not, such as the refrigerator 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 tiring day and are eager to get back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a congested area like in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to do this ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see 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 tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Call the Police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You might be running a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to grab the groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to every person.

If you have lost my car key something, it's crucial to contact the police away. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost keys to my car outside your home, at the store, or somewhere else public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw when you last saw your keys in your mind. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a great idea. This will help keep your car secure and stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs such as new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call an expert locksmith

It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple ways to aid.

Retrace the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider looking inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to replace lost car keys to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a massive damper on your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.

It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to take them in as personal property. But, it's advisable to check with your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will prevent you from going through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any time. You might be running a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to prevent this happening again. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your smartphone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to help locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to help you locate them in case your keys are out of range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always put them in the same spot every time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, keeping the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.

For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Based on the model and make of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.