Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how to replace lost car keys well-organized you are, there will come a time when you lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and even trigger unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.

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 tend to take a darker direction. It is crucial to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

It is important to remember that most things aren't lost my car key - look at here - forever, and they are often found in some very unusual places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they noticed something unusual.

It might seem obvious to look in your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Take out all pockets you have on you including those in jackets and purses and be sure to look around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bins in case keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and look for places you know they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and you're eager to get 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.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too filled with. It's also not uncommon to leave keys in a congested area, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to do this, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly as they could be crushed when you close the door.

4. Call the Police

We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You might be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat, or you may require two hands free to grab a bag full of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.

If you have lost car key what to do something, it is important to contact the police away. You can then file a police report to protect your car from theft. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop or any other place in public.

Before you do this ensure that you follow your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you seen them. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to make a copy of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Call a Locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. Luckily, there are some things you can do to assist.

Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you still can't find them, check the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Lastly, call locksmiths to find out if they can assist you in finding the keys you cheap lost car key replacement. They might be able to cut you a key or change your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a massive impact on your day. You might have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and replacing lost keys track.

It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and will help to stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from getting penalized.

If you'i ve lost my car keys reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're covered before making an insurance claim.

Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any time. You might be running an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember the place you put the keys.

There are ways to avoid this from happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that others can assist you to locate them if you are lost.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always put them in the same spot every time you get home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, keeping a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to notify your insurance company immediately. So you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a bit more challenging. You'll have go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your car this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.