Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this eventuality.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how organized you are.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality things often take a much more dire turn. If you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and follow the steps.

It's also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in unusual places. Before taking drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. To do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to search with you for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you've lost car keys replacement near Me them at the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys missing may appear obvious but it is important to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you including purses and jackets and be sure to look around every zippered area. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It may be helpful to go through your steps again and search places where you are sure they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. Many things are lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.

While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a crowded area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another common place to hide. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you are able to access the gas cap from outside your car because a thief could easily see you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys.

You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't put them there too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up the food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to every person.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you can file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside your home or at the store or somewhere else public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last saw your keys in your head. It's also recommended to inquire of others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car secure and prevent other people from using it (which may result in extra 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. Contact for a locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy tips you can use to assist.

Retrace the steps you've already taken and searching in the places you believe they may be. If you're still unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on your situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a major impact on your day. It might be that you were running an run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you put your keys down to grab something but lost track of it.

It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get fined.

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. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file an insurance claim.

Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will eliminate the stress of having to replace your car keys lost for car and ensure 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 on the run 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.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to assist you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow other people can help you find them if they are lost.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to put them in the same place every time you get home. If it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. That way you'll be able to rest assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which doesn't have chips) you can simply get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a bit more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.