Ten Things You Learned In Kindergarden To Help You Get Started With Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to be aware of what to do.
You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality, things can take a more gloomy direction. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.
Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you, as a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the 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 them in the store, ask others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw something unusual.
It may seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry such as those in jackets and purses and check every zippered space. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and search places where the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many times, items go missing when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.
Check pockets and desks that are too packed. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a congested area, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those places.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys.
You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you close the door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a little distracted. You might be running an errand that is quick, and you have left your keys on the seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab the groceries. Whatever the reason it occurs to everyone.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is important in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.
Before you start make sure you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you looked at your keys in your head. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is a great idea. lost keys in car will keep your car safe and deter others from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new door locks and ignition). 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
It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple ways to help.
Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have abandoned them. 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 their visors or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a huge downer on your day. It might be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the floor or perhaps you put your keys down for a moment to grab something and lost track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from getting penalized.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if 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 before you file an claim.
Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will eliminate the headache of replacing your car keys and ensure that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You might be out for a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that others can assist you to locate them if you are lost.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter if it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not contain a chip) you can get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.
It may be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost upwards of $200.
To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.