Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create an alternative key for 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 entire day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can happen to anyone.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). In reality the situation could be much more serious. If lost car key with no spare lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.
Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to search with you for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something out of the ordinary.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Clean out all pockets you have on you, including purses and jackets, and make sure to look around every zippered area. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.
You can also trace your steps and look in places where the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check lost car key with no spare 've had a long day and you're eager to go home, put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.
Check pockets and desks that are cluttered. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those places.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to do this, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You can also store your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you've left your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to every person.
If you lose something, it is important to notify the police right immediately. You can then file a police report to protect your car from thieves. This is important if you have lost your keys outside your home, at the store, or anywhere else in public.
Before you begin, be sure to follow your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last glimpsed your keys in your head. It is also a good idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car secure and also stop other people from using it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's always an excellent idea to make an exact copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.
5. Call a locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are a few simple ways to help.
Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations you believe they may have been left. If you're unable to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.
Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you lose your car keys, and it can put a major downer on your day. You may have been running an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.
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 car without permission. It also stops you from being penalized.
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. However, it's still best to check with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.
Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be out on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, lost key to car no spare might be getting out of your vehicle after a long day at work and not remember where you placed the keys.
There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you open the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in finding them in case your keys are not in range.
You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in a bowl on the entry table or an iron by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement 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. So you can be sure that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable option.
It might be more difficult for vehicles 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 an entirely new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost you upwards of $200.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home especially in areas where you tend to lose things.