Why Lost My Car Keys Isn't A Topic That People Are Interested In Lost My Car Keys

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

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

You should call an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unsavory phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, the situation can often be more grave. If you lose your keys, it is important to remain calm and retrace the steps.

It's also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in unusual places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's recommended to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

It may seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to check every zippered space. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in case your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something other.

You could also retrace your steps and search places where you know it isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items 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 now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.

Examine desks and pockets that are overly packed. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you can remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't put them there too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you close the car door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a bit distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry the food items. It happens to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.

Before you do this, be sure to follow your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last observed them. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and prevent other people from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Contact for a locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are busy or distracted. There are a few basic things you can try to assist.

Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still not able to locate them, check the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. 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.

If you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your keys to your car at times and it could make your day miserable. It could be that you were running an errand and accidentally left them on the seat or maybe you set your key down for a second to grab something and lost track of it.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will leave a trail on paper and can prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also allow you to avoid being penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may 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 are covered prior to filing claims.

Think about purchasing an Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the stress of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least would. You might be running a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and not remember the place you put them.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on the phone. Once you open the app, it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other users to assist you in finding them in case your keys aren't in reach.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to place them in the same spot every time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, keeping a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance provider right away. So you can be 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 easily get an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and cheapest option.

For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.