Why Lost My Car Keys Isn't A Topic That People Are Interested In Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.
You should call an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). However it is possible for the situation to be more serious. It is important to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in some very strange places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. replace lost car keys could also ask someone to help you search for you, because a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You can also trace your steps and look in places where you know it isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many things 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 long day and are eager to get home, put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Check pockets and desks that are too packed. It's also common to lose your keys in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you are able to access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys.
You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. 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 get lost when we are distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys in the seat, or you might just require two hands free to carry a load of groceries. It happens to all of us.
If you lose something, it's important to call the police right immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from theft. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house, at the store, or in a public place.
Before you begin make sure you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the last time you saw your keys in your mind. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and prevent others from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in the event that you lose it again.
5. Call a locksmith
It's normal for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few easy things you can try to aid.
Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching for the areas you believe they may have been left. If you're unable to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. 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 ownership for your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. You might have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to take a look at something and then lost track.
It is crucial to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting penalized.
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 is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to making claims.
Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will save you the stress of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You could be running a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet 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 them if your keys aren't in reach.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same spot each time you return home. Whether it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, establishing a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. That way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can purchase an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. It is likely that you will need go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the model and make of your car.
To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.