Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There are few things that are more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. It is important to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

It's important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in unusual locations. So, before taking extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you've lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may appear obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bins in the event that keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something other.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and search places where you are sure they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. Many times, items go missing when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.

While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to lose your keys in a messy spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to do this, make sure 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 under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a little bit distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house, at the store, or in a public place.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last looked at your keys in your head. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in costs like new locks for doors 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

It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they are busy or distracted. There are, however, several ways you can aid.

Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places you believe they may have been left. If you are still unable to locate them, check the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter your locks, if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys from time to time and it could make your day miserable. You might have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost auto key replacement track.

It's important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also help you avoid getting fined.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you're insured prior to making claims.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace lost key your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any moment. You could be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on the phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that others can assist you to find them if they are lost.

You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you come home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be sure that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not contain a chip) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

It may be more difficult for vehicles with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.