What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. Things are often lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.

The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. Finding the key typically requires retracing your steps.

1. Retract your steps

It's not a fact that keys are among the most frequently misplaced objects. It could happen to anyone, no matter if you're running an adventure, distracted when you get out of your car or at home trying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.

First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last saw your keys, and also where you went afterward. It may also help to note down your steps, so that you can be able to refer back to them in the future.

If you've tried retracing your steps and still can't find your car keys, it may be time to start looking at more obvious places. Look in your bags and pockets and the home. Remember that your keys are probably somewhere nearby - just not in the location you'd think of. You can also search for your keys by looking near other items they're usually paired with like a laptop, purse or wallet.

If you've tried all these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time for a 24-hour emergency locksmith. Before you call a locksmith, you can try these suggestions to prevent your keys from being lost again.

2. Get a Spare Key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear into coat pockets, under couch cushions, or just disappear completely. It was once simple to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology it is now much more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.

It is recommended to always have an extra car key on hand. You won't have to call a tow-truck, and will be able to return your vehicle if you lose your keys. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than your normal keychain to ensure that it's not misplaced. Consider getting a spare made in case you don't have one. This will reduce the likelihood of losing your keys.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own you may be able to have traditional keys made by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to note that the dealer might need to program the key for your particular vehicle.

Many modern cars are equipped with a keyless entry system which allows you to unlock your car using an electronic remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to get your car started from scratch is to go to the dealer or a locksmith and have them connect a new fob to your car. To prevent this from happening, try to make it a habit to place your keys in the same spot every time you arrive home. You can place your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or even on the table at the entrance.

3. Empty your Pockets

It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. Whether you dropped them in the rush to leave the house or your little ones hid them in the couch for a game of hide-andseek, losing your car keys can make you feel frantic and insecure.

Fortunately, panicking won't help you find your keys. In fact, it could cause more problems. Be calm and use the steps listed below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.

Start by going back through your day and recalling the last time you used them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, make sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also retrace your steps to see whether you've seen them elsewhere. You can also check your car to see if they've been left there however, you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of your vehicle.

If you have searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. You can also search in your freezer and fridge. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances, and feel around inside, as you never know where small items may have been hiding.

Another great way to avoid losing your car keys lost keys is to connect them to a long lanyard or chain. This makes it easier to locate keys because they're more noticeable and are longer. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright hue to make them are visible against other items in your bag or pockets.

4. Contact the police

It is obvious that the first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to contact the police. Reporting your keys missing from your car immediately is important so that you do not need to worry about someone using your vehicle or entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss early also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage as most policies cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.

If you contact the police and ask them to inform you whether your keys were discovered by someone or have been taken. They'll also provide advice on preventative steps to take. If they can't locate your keys, they will likely ask you for details regarding the time you lost them, and the location you were in prior to that.

If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't function electronically the first thing you should do is to check your pockets, bags, and anywhere else you normally carry the keys. After you've done that, walk back through your day and try to recall the place you lost the keys. You might have dropped them on a table or in your bag while reaching for something.

If you own a transponder key that works electronically, near by it must be linked to the car and this can be done at the dealership. This could cost a few hundreds of dollars, based on the car's model and brand. model. You can also ring up emergency roadside service from GEICO and is available 24/7 on the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.

5. Call a Locksmith

If you're out running errands and leave your car keys in the trunk for just a second and they'll disappear. This is all too common, since keys are the third-most misplaced item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from happening. However, you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.

Having a spare key can assist, but it can't guarantee that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain can assist you in finding your keys should they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects an indication from your lost key which makes it much easier to find.

If you are unable to find your car keys, you should contact locksmiths to come out and replace them. The locksmith can create a new key for you, provided that you can prove that you are the owner, such as your vehicle's title or registration.

The traditional keys are the most simple to replace. If you have an electronic remote key fob or Lost Keys smart key, you will need to contact your dealer to have one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make sure to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific vehicle.

The loss of your car keys can be a stressful event however it does not have to be. If you follow the suggestions that are listed above, you will be able to recover your keys and get back on the road. Be sure to remain cool and calm. Don't get scared! Remember that you are not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.