Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this situation.
Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The best-case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). In reality the situation could be more serious. It is crucial to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
It's important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in unusual places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. To do this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend 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 that you have recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them at the store, ask others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw anything out of the ordinary.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem obvious however, you must do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around such as those in jackets and purses and feel around every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It may be helpful to go back again and look for places you know they're not like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and are eager to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.
While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a congested area, such as in the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure 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 can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little bit distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to all.
When you lose something, it's important to contact the police away. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home, at the store, or somewhere else public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last saw your keys in your head. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are a few basic tips you can use to help.
Start by retracing the steps you've taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If you're unable to find them, try looking inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge damper on your day. You could have been on a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have put them down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.
It's important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.
Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. G28 Car Keys will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any time. You might be running a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could 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 make use of 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 feature community features that allow other users to help you locate them in case your keys aren't in range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same spot each time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, establishing an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and least expensive option.
It might be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealer to get a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home especially in areas that you tend to drop things.