Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this eventuality.

You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can make an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.

The best case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more serious. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

It's important to keep in mind that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they're often found in some very unusual places. Before taking drastic measures, it is an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to help you search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys in a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may appear obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.

You could also retrace your steps and look in places where the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Many times, items are lost when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are cluttered. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot, such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to hide your keys there, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys in the seat, or you might just require two hands to carry a load of groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your car from theft. This is important if you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's recommended to create a copy of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Call for a locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're busy or distracted. There are a few actions you can take to assist.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching in the places you believe they may have been left. If you still can't find them, Replace Lost Car Key Cost check the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.

Lastly, call a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut you a key or change the locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise 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. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys from time to time and it can cause you to lose your day. It might be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left them on the seat or perhaps you put your keys down to grab something but lost track of it.

Reporting a replace lost key or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to take them in as personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you're covered before making claims.

Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace lost car key cost your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You might be running a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long working day and not remember where you put keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on the phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them if your keys are out of reach.

You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a New Key

Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider immediately. This way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain a chip) you can purchase a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You'll have to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. Depending on the model and make of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.