Lost My Car Keys: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do No matter how well-organized you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this scenario. It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle. 1. Retract your steps There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are. The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However the situation could be more serious. It is crucial to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys. It is important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very unusual locations. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for you, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful. 2. Check the Inside If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you've lost your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something unusual. The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may appear obvious, but you should take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets that you carry around including those in purses and jackets, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag. You could also retrace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items are lost when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them. 3. Check the Outside You've had a tough day and just want to go back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing. Check pockets and desks that are too cluttered. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those places. Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure that you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see the keys you have hidden under your car. You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door. 4. Contact the police Sometimes, we lose things because we're a bit distracted. You may be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat, or you might require two hands free to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to everyone. It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from theft. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside your home or at the store or at a location that is public. Before you begin ensure that you follow your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will help ensure your car's security and stop other people from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea in the event that you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again. 5. Contact a locksmith People often forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few basic ways to assist. Retrace your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to find them, try searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain. Lastly, call a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors. If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take several days. 6. Contact Your Insurance Agent You might lose your car keys at times and it could ruin your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down for a second to grab something but lost the track of it. Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will create a paper trail and will help to stop people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being punished. The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to making a claim. Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach. 7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be out on an errand and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember where you placed keys. Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to help you locate them if your keys aren't in reach. You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, making the habit will make it easier to find 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 is to inform your insurance company right away. That way you'll be able to rest assured that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future. If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. lost keys for car is typically the fastest and cheapest option. It could be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will likely have to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your car. To avoid this, you should keep a spare set of keys somewhere else than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in areas where you lose things.