Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. When this happens it is crucial to be prepared.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality, the situation can often be more serious. It is essential to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even the ones on purses and jackets. Examine every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It could be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items disappear when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and just want to go home, put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-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 and also the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a congested space, like the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys there be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't put them there too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.
4. Call the Police
We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you have left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to everyone.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your car from thieves. This is essential when you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Before you do this ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last saw them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent 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, should you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are a few actions you can take to aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations you believe they may be. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace the locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on replace lost key for car G28 Car Keys may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys from time to time and it could cause you to lose your day. You might have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.
It is important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also ensure that you don't get fined.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys and ensure that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
You can lose your keys at any time. You could be on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget the place you put the keys.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. 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 people to assist you in finding them in case your keys aren't in range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, making a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You will need to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.