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Lost My Car Keys? Here’s What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come an occasion when you’ll lose your car keys. If this happens it’s crucial to be prepared.

Depending on your vehicle, the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and even lead to unpleasant calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). However, in reality, things often take a much more dire turn. It is crucial to keep your cool and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be discovered 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 with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven’t found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you’ve worn or used recently. If you’ve lost your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.

It might appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing However, it’s essential to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you carry including those in purses and jackets and feel around every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It could be beneficial to go back again and look for places you know they aren’t, such as 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 long day and just want to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too filled with. It’s also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you’ve checked these places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. 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 might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things simply because we’re a little distracted. You could 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 food items. It happens to every person.

When you lose something, it’s important to notify the police right away. This way, you will be able to file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. 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 go back to your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last seen them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they’ve seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Contact for a locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially if they’re distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic tips you can use to help.

Begin by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you’re still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it’s worth having a quick look.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to help you find your replacing lost keys keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have 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 replacement key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you lose your car keys, and it can put a massive damper on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to get something to grab for a second and then Lost my Car key track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is important. This will leave a trail on paper and will help keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from being penalized.

Your homeowner’s policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it’s still best to check with your agent to make sure you’re covered before you file an insurance claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will save you the stress 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 might be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can’t remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best method for doing this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other users can help you locate them if you are lost.

You can also make sure you don’t lose your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn’t matter if put them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your keys to your car or if they’re stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.

It might be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You’ll need to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle, this could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or lost my car key home is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you can’t find things.