Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. If this happens it's crucial to be aware of what to do.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality things tend to take a more gloomy direction. When you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in some very unusual places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to go back and trace your steps. To accomplish this, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you lost my car keys your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bin in the event that keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

It may be helpful to go back again and search places where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items disappear when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys have disappeared.

While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.

4. Call the police

We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to every person.

When you lose something, it's crucial to contact the police away. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is important when you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you glimpsed your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will help keep your car safe and stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea should you have an extra car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.

5. Contact a Locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few simple ways to assist.

Start by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If you are still unable to locate them, check the car. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth taking a look.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

It is possible to lose your car keys from time to time and it could make your day miserable. You may have been running an easy errand and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you might have sat down to take a look at something and lost my car keys what do i do track.

It's important to report a lost key for car what to do key immediately to the police. This creates a paper trail and helps keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also help you avoid getting punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost key replacement car to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an insurance claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will prevent you from going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be running a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long day at work and forget where you put the keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in reach.

You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in an table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be assured that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll have to visit your local dealer to get a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the make and model of your car keys lost replacement.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home especially in areas that you tend to drop things.