Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. In the event of this happening, it's important to be prepared.

Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create lots of stress and even trigger unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not, losing 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 can often be more serious. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in strange places. Before taking drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you I Lost The Keys To My Car your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something different.

It might seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around the zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bins in case your keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something other.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and are eager to get home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are too packed. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a crowded spot such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys.

You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you close the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might need two free hands to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose any item. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is important when you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or any other place in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from the last time you looked at your keys in your head. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and deter others from using it. (This could result in additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it is always recommended to create a copy of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. Luckily, [empty] there are some actions you can take to help.

Retrace the steps you've taken and searching in the places you believe they may be. If you still can't find them, check the car. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Lastly, call a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding the keys you lost the keys to my car. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key according to your particular situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys at times and it could cause you to lose your day. You could have been on an easy errand and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and lost key fob track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. It also prevents you from getting fined.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered before filing an claim.

You might want to 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 going through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least would. You might be running a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long working day and forget the place you put them.

There are ways to avoid this happening again. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they aren't in range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to keep them in the same place every time you get home. Whether it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, establishing an habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not contain chips) you can get an replacement from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You will likely have visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get a new key. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.