Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. In the event of this happening, it's important to know what to do.

Depending on your vehicle, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, lost Car keys replacement cost cause lots of stress and can even result in unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality, things can take a more dire direction. It is essential to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to go back and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you for items, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.

It may seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in the event that keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something other.

It might be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. Many items get Lost Car Keys Replacement Cost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly packed. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you have left your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry the groceries. It happens to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from thieves. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house or at the store or somewhere else public.

Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you saw your keys in your mind. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a great idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea if you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few simple things you can try to aid.

Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have left them. If you're unable to locate them, consider looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Lastly, call an locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able make you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys, Lost car keys replacement Cost and it can put a massive impact on your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and lost track.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your car without your permission. This also helps you avoid getting penalized.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before you file a claim.

Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car key lost car replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other users to assist you in finding them in case your keys are not in reach.

You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an entry table or an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately when you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. So you can be assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.

It may be more difficult for vehicles that have a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you can't find things.