What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things can get misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to be in a panic. Finding the key typically requires retracing your steps.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day and forget keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. There are some things you can do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. This can be challenging when you're in a panic however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last saw your keys and the places that you went following that. It might also be helpful to note down your steps so that you can be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you've retraced your steps and still can't find your car keys, it might be time to start looking in more obvious places. Check your pockets and bags and the home. Remember that your keys could be in close proximity but they're not in a convenient location. You can also find your keys by examining other items they're usually paired with like bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you've tried all of these options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it may be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you call, consider some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:
2. Get a Spare Key
It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions just by themselves. It used to be easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. With the introduction of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace lost keys.
It is recommended to always have an extra car key on the go. A spare key will save you from calling a tow truck, and will help you get your vehicle back in the event of losing your key a lot more simple. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain, so that it isn't as easy to lose. Consider getting a spare made if you don't already own one. This will reduce the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car You can get a traditional key made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is crucial to remember that the dealer needs to program your key to match your vehicle.
Many modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car with a remote control. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to start your car once more is to visit the locksmith or dealer and let them pair a new fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, make it a habit to place your keys in the same spot each time you return home. Whether it's in the entry table, the bowl on your front porch or even a hook on the door, it can help you remember where they are and how you can find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. You might feel helpless and panicked if you lose your car keys.
Fortunately, panicking won't help you locate your keys. In fact, it may even make things worse. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and recollecting the last time you visited them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to check all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also go through the steps you followed to see whether they were located anywhere else. Finally, you can always look inside your car to determine whether they've been discarded however, you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of your vehicle.
If you've looked everywhere else and aren't able to locate your car keys, it's time to start more advanced searches. You can also search in your freezer and fridge. You will have to shut and open each appliance and look inside for small objects.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another great way to prevent losing keys. This will allow you to keep track of them as well as making them more difficult to misplace due to the sound they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Contact the police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to call the police. Reporting lost car key replacement missing from your car immediately is crucial so that you do not have to be concerned about someone else using your vehicle or entering your home. Notifying your loss in time can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.
When you call the police and ask them to inform you if your keys have been discovered by people or been stolen. They'll also offer some advice on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If they can't locate your keys they'll probably ask you for details regarding the time you lost them and where you were prior to that.
Check your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry them, look back to the beginning of time to recall the time you lost the keys. You might have dropped them on a table or in your bag after reaching for something.
If you own a transponder key that operates electronically, it will need to be paired with the car, which can only be done at a dealership. It could cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency and is available via the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by sending a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Contact a Locksmith
If you place your keys in the trunk while doing errands, they can quickly disappear. This is a scenario that happens often, considering that keys missing from cars are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from occurring. You can, however, make steps to decrease your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device will assist you in finding your keys in the event that they are lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone whenever it detects the signal of your lost key and makes it easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate your car keys you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace the keys. The locksmith can create a new key on behalf of you if you have proof that you are the owner, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
The classic keys are most straightforward to replace. If you own a remote key fob, or smart key, you'll have to contact your dealer to have one made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific car.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience however it doesn't have to be. If you follow the suggestions given above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Be calm and do not panic! Remember that you are not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.