The 10 Scariest Things About Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this situation.
Based on the model of your car the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things that are more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and even trigger unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However the situation could be much more serious. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.
It is important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in some very unusual places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to help you search for you, as a second pair eyes can be very beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently were wearing or used. If you lost them in the store, talk to others who are customers or employees to see if they noticed something unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may appear obvious however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry such as those in jackets and purses, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and search places where you know it 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 go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys are missing.
While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a congested area, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.
Under the car is another common place to hide. However, if you do this make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as they could be crushed when you shut the door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little distracted. You could be running a quick errand, and you have left your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to all of us.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop or any other place in public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last observed them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.
5. Call a Locksmith
Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're stressed or distracted. Luckily, there are several things you can do to help.
Retrace the steps you've taken and searching in the places you believe they may have been left. If you're unable to locate them, try searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace the locks if required. car keys lost no spare have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take several days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys at times and it could ruin your day. It could be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you put your keys down for a moment to grab something but lost track of it.
Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without permission. This can also help you avoid getting penalized.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
Keep an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will save you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
You can lose your keys at any moment. You could be out on an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long working day and not remember the place you put keys.
Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the future. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and connect to an app on the phone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that others can assist you to find them if they are out of range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if put them in an entry table or a hook near the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. You can be assured that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you own a standard key (which doesn't have chip) you can get an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.
For more modern cars with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.