Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.
Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
- Retract Your Steps
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even trigger unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality things can take a darker direction. It is essential to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.
Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking the full details , it's a good idea to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.
- Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them in the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.
It might appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around such as those in jackets and purses, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items disappear when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.
- Check the Outside
You've had a long day and you're eager to get back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are too packed. You can also put your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure you can remove the gas cap 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 nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
- Contact the police
We can get lost when we are distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential when you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else 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 seen them. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always recommended to create a copy of it in case this happens to you again.
- Contact a locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple things you can try to assist.
Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you may have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Finally, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to help you find your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut keys or replace the locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.
- Call Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys from time to time and it could cause you to lose your day. It could be that you were running an run and forgot to put them on the seat or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something but lost the track of it.
It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from getting fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing a claim.
Consider buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.
- Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You could be on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and not remember the place you put the 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 connected to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in reach.
You can also avoid losing your keys by always putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
- Find a replacement key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company right away. So you can be sure that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen 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 cheapest option.
It might be more difficult for cars that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the model and make of your car.
To avoid this, 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 areas where you're likely to lose things.
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