7 Simple Changes That Will Make An Enormous Difference To Your Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. If this happens it's crucial to know what to do.
Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However it is possible for the situation to be more serious. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.
It is important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in strange locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for you, because a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something different.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys missing may appear obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets that you carry around including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to look around every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You can also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things are lost when we reach for them but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've worked hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. It's also common to lose your keys in a crowded spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.
Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys under the car be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we're a little bit distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry the groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.
When you lose something, it's crucial to notify the police right away. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your car from theft. This is crucial if you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or in public.
Before you do this ensure that you go back to your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last saw your keys in your head. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event you lose it.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few actions you can take to aid.
Begin by retracing your steps and searching the areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to locate them, try searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Lastly, call an locksmith to see if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able to cut you a new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys from time to time and it could cause you to lose your day. You might have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This creates a paper trail and helps to stop people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being penalized.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered before filing an insurance claim.
You should consider purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the stress of having to replace your car keys and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be on the run and you forget to place them on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this from happening again. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on your phone. Once Highly recommended Reading open the app it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that others can assist you to locate them if you are lost.
You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you put them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a New Key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be assured that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.
For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You'll have to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. Depending on the model and make of your car, this could cost you upwards of $200.
To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home especially in areas where you tend to lose things.