Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.
You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. These professionals can create an alternative key 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, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). But, in reality things tend to take a more gloomy turn. When you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
It is important to keep in mind that most things aren't lost for ever, and are often found in strange locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If G28 Car Keys lost them in the store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed anything unusual.
It may seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Clean out all pockets you carry including purses and jackets and feel around every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.
It might be beneficial to go through your steps again and search places where you know they're not, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many times, items go missing when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.
Check pockets and desks that are too packed. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those areas.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to do this ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a small nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. It happens to every person.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you can file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.
Before you start, be sure to retrace your steps. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last seen them. It is also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key it's an excellent idea to make copies of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Call for a locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are, however, several things you can do to aid.
Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you're unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Finally, contact a locksmith to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They might be able to make you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a huge impact on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an insurance claim.
Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least would. You could be out on an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget where you placed them.
There are ways to prevent this happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected 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 assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in locating them in case your keys aren't in range.
Another way to prevent losing your keys is to place them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, keeping the habit will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
It may be more difficult for cars with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealer to get a replacement key. Based on the model and make of your car it could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.