Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be aware of what to do.
Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unsavory phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However, in reality, things tend to take a darker direction. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to retrace and search your steps. To accomplish this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost them in the store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you have on you, including purses and jackets, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bin in the event that your keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something other.
You could also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many times, items go missing when we go to them, but then take 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 comfy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too packed. You can also put your keys in a congested space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you can open the gas cap from outside your car as a thief could easily see you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.
You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on 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. Call the police
It is easy to lose things when we are distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab a bag of food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to everyone.
If you lose something, it's crucial to contact the police immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house or at the store or at a location that is public.
Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene from the time you last glimpsed your keys in your head. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key it's an excellent idea to make a copy of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Call for a locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple tips you can use to aid.
Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter the locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your keys to your car at times and it could cause you to lose your day. It might be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you put your keys down for a second to grab something but lost track of it.
It's important to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from getting penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing a claim.
Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the stress of having to replace your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after a long day at work, and don't remember where you put them.
Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet 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 come with community features that allow others to help you locate them in case your keys are out of reach.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to keep them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.
For lost keys to car no spare with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost you upwards of $200.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.