25 Shocking Facts About Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this scenario.
Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and even trigger unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The best case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality, the situation can often be much more grave. If you lose your keys, it's essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Clean out all pockets you have on you, including those in jackets and purses and be sure to feel around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and search places where the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many items are lost when we look for something but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too filled with. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a messy spot like in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you can remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You might also try hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as they could be crushed when you shut the door.
4. Call the police
We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys on the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to every person.
If you have lost something, it's crucial to contact the police away. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside your home at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.
Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last seen them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a good idea. This will help keep your car secure and prevent other people from using it (which may result in extra costs such as new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it is always recommended to create an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. There are, however, some actions you can take to assist.
Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations in which you think they could be. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Finally, contact an locksmith to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the 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 keys to your car at times and it could cause you to lose your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your key down for a moment to grab something, but lost track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid being punished.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered prior to making an insurance claim.
You should consider investing in an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be on a quick 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 the keys.
Luckily, there are g28carkeys.co.uk to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them in case your keys aren't in range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, establishing an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company immediately. That way you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll have to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. Depending on the make and model of your car, this could cost upwards of $200.
To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.