Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there will come a time when you lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to know what to do.
It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
G28 Car Keys -case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality things often take a much more dire direction. It is important to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It is also important to remember that most things aren't lost for ever, and are often found in some very unusual locations. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to help you search for a second pair of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something unusual.
It might seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the recycling and trash bins in the event that keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.
You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Sometimes, items are lost when we reach for them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and just want to get home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are filled with. You can also put your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you can open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You can also hide your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You might be running a quick errand, and you've left your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up the food items. It happens to everyone.
If you have lost something, it's crucial to contact the police away. This way, you can file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your home, at the store, or somewhere else public.
Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you glimpsed 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 keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to make a copy of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they 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 where you think they might have been left. If you're still unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from their keychains or the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.
Finally, contact an locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your car keys at times and it can make your day miserable. You may have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will create a paper trail and can prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you're covered prior to making a claim.
Think about buying an Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be out on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long working day and forget where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on the phone. Once you open the app, it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you locate them if you are lost.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if put them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. 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 a standard key (which doesn't have chips) you can get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. You'll have to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. Based on the model and make of your car, this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you can't find things.