Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there's an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. In the event of this happening, it's important to know what to do.

You should call an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how to replace a lost car key organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality the situation could be much more serious. If you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and follow the steps.

It's important to remember that most things aren't lost my key forever, and they are often found in some very strange locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it is a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and checking common places like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you've lost them in the store, talk to others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed something unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets that you carry around, including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to check every zippered space. It's also recommended to go through the recycling and trash bin in the event that keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things disappear when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and you're eager to get home, change into your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.

Examine desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. You may also leave your keys in a busy space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you can remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You can also hide your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the police

We can lose things when we're distracted. You may be running a quick errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands free to grab a bag full of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to all.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential when you have lost car keys price your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Before you do this ensure that you go back to your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you seen them. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key, to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Call an expert locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are, however, some things you can do to help.

Start by retracing the steps you took and then searching for the locations where you think they might be. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth having a quick look.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut you a key or change the locks if required. 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 call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. Based on the circumstances, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys at times and it can ruin your day. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you set your keys down for a moment to grab something and lost car key how to replace track of it.

It is important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered before filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid the headache of replacing 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

Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be running an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and not remember where you placed them.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best way to do this is to use 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 flash or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that other people can help you locate 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 every time you arrive home. If it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to locate them 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 right away. You can be certain that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which doesn't have chip) you can simply get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get a new key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.