"Ask Me Anything," 10 Responses To Your Questions About Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this scenario.
Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). In reality, the situation can often be much more serious. When you lose your keys, it's important to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the recycling and trash bin in case your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
It could be beneficial to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we search for something, but then we take it away 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 comfy sweats, eat pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.
While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to do this ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You could also consider hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you close the door.
4. Call the police
It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You could be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys in the seat, or you might just require two hands to grab a bag full of food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to every person.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then make a police report to protect your car from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside your home at the grocery store, or in a public place.
Before you start make sure you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last glimpsed your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could result in costs like new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea if you have an extra car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.
5. Call for a locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. There are some actions you can take to aid.
Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you may have left them. If you're unable to find them, try searching inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you lose your car keys, and it can put a huge damper on your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.
It is important to report lost keys immediately to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and will help to stop people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also help you avoid getting 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 still best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will help you avoid going through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Keys can be lost at any time. You could be on an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget where you put keys.
There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other users can help you locate them if they are lost.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same place every time you get home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. That way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If car key lost no spare have a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable option.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.