20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to be aware of what to do.
Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). But, in reality, things often take a much more dire turn. It is important to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It is also important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in some very strange locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. To accomplish this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas like key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something different.
Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may appear obvious but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets that you carry around such as those in jackets and purses and check every zippered space. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
It may be helpful to go through your steps again and look for places you are sure they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. 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 put in the hours and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
While www.g28carkeys.co.uk walking around, check overly cluttered spaces like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you do this, make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you close the car door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we're a little bit distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys on the seat, or you may require two hands free to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to all of us.
If you lose something, it's important to contact the police immediately. You can then file a police report to protect your car from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always a good idea to make a copy of it in case this happens to you again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. Luckily, there are several actions you can take to assist.
Retrace the steps you've taken and searching in the places in which you think they could have been left. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth a quick look in there.
Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.
6. Call 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 a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have sat down to get something to grab for a second and then lost track.
It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
Think about purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the headache of replacing 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
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be on the run and forget to put them down on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other users can help you find them if they are lost.
You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, making the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company immediately. So you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not contain chips) you can get an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.
For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You will likely have to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle, this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you're likely to lose things.