Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it's crucial to be prepared.

You should contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can design an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). But, in reality things can take a darker direction. It is important to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to search with you for a second pair of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

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

It might seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Check all zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

You can also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are filled with. You can also put your keys in a busy space, like the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to do this, make sure you are able to remove the gas cap outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also store your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You may be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Before you begin ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last seen them. It is also an excellent idea to ask others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make copies of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are, however, several actions you can take to aid.

Start by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you still can't find them, check the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth having a quick look.

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

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

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

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get fined.

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

Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or any of the other options available. This will prevent you from having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You could be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or may be getting out of your car key lost replacement after a long day at work and you can't remember where 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 small devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them in case your keys are not in range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate 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 provider right away. You can be sure that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.

It might be more difficult for cars that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. It is likely that you will need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Based on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.