Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this eventuality.

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem 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 more grave. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Remember that many things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. To do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost my car keys what do i do them at the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It might be beneficial to go through your steps again and look for places you know they're not, such as the refrigerator or freezer. Many things are i lost my car keys when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and you're eager to get home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.

Examine desks and pockets that are packed. It's also common to lose your keys in a messy spot such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you choose to do this be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't put them there too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the police

We can lose things when we are distracted. You might be running a quick errand and have your keys in the seat, or you might just need two free hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens 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 help protect your car from theft. This step is especially important if your keys are lost my Car key outside of your home, at the store, or in a public place.

Before you start ensure that you follow your steps. Recreate the scene from when you last looked at your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a excellent idea. This will help to keep your car secure and stop others from stealing it (which may result in extra expenses like new ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, if you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in the event you lose it.

5. Contact for a locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. There are a few things you can do to aid.

Begin by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth taking a look.

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

If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show 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 several days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to take a look at something and then lost key replacement car track.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid getting punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered before making an insurance claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will save you the hassle of having to replace lost keys your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You might be on the run and you forget to place them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other people can help you find them if they are not in range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company immediately. You can be certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.

For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You will likely have to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the model and make of your car it could cost of replacing lost car keys upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other 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.