Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. When this happens, it's important to know what to do.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can design a replacement 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 cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they show up 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 crucial to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
It's also important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they're often found in unusual locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search, as a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
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 in bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost them in the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Feel around every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.
It may be helpful to go back again and search places where you know they're not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we look for something but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.
While you're walking around, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. 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 you've checked these areas.
Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys there, make sure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also hide your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly as they could be crushed when you close the door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little distracted. You may be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat, or you might need two free hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to all of us.
When you lose something, it is important to notify the police right immediately. You can then file a police report to protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside your home or at the store or in a public place.
Before you do this, be sure to go back to your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you saw your keys in your mind. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and stop others from stealing it (which could result in additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Call a Locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. Luckily, there are some things you can do to aid.
Begin by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you may have left them. If you're still unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth taking a look.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using 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
There are times that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a massive impact on your day. You might have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you might have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost 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 car without permission. This can also allow you to avoid being fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file an insurance claim.
Consider buying an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least would. You might be running an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long day at work and forget where you put keys.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in locating them if your keys are not in reach.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. If it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, keeping the habit will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately if you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can purchase an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.
It could be more difficult for vehicles equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost you upwards of $200.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. www.g28carkeys.co.uk -cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.