Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this scenario.

Based on the model of your car the first phone call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, the situation can often be much more grave. It is essential to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to help you search for items, because a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something different.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might seem like common sense but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around every zippered area. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bins in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

You could also retrace your steps and search places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items go missing when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.

Check pockets and desks that are cluttered. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't put them there too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you close the car door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're replace a lost car key little bit distracted. You might be running a quick errand and you have put your keys in the seat, or you might just require two hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to everyone.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from theft. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost car key near me outside of your house, at the store, or somewhere else public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is another good idea. This will help keep your car secure and stop other people from using it (which may result in extra expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.

5. Contact for a locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few easy things you can try to help.

Retrace your steps and searching the areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut you a key or change the locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation 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 keys to your car at times and it can cause you to lose your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to take a look at something and then lost track.

Reporting a lost car keys replacement cost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This creates a paper trail and helps to stop others from using your vehicle without permission. This will also help you avoid getting penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost keys to my car to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent to confirm that you are covered before filing a claim.

Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the headache of replacing your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any moment. You might be running a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and forget where you placed the keys.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will blink or ring once you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in locating them if your keys aren't in range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to place them in the same spot every time you get home. It doesn't matter if put them in an entry table or a hook by the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement lost car keys 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 immediately. You can be certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.

It might be more difficult for vehicles equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get a new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you lose things.