What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. Things are often lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.
Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a secret that keys are the most commonly misplaced items. If you're on the run and are distracted when you're getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to prepare for the day and drop your keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
You'll need to retrace all your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode However, it's essential to keep track of exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you went following that. It may also help to note down your steps so that you can refer back to them in the future.
If you've tried retracing your steps and still can't find your car keys, it could be time to start looking in more obvious locations. Examine your purses and pockets, as well as the house. Remember, your keys will likely be close by They're just not in a visible spot. It could also be helpful to search for your keys near other items they are typically paired with, like the laptop or purse.
If you have tried all these options but are still unable to locate your keys, then it's time to contact an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. But before you do that, try some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:
2. Find an extra key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or disappear completely. In the past it wasn't a big issue since it was simple to find an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.
It's recommended to keep a spare key in your car. You won't have to call a tow-truck and will be able to return your vehicle if you lose your keys. It's best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain, so that it isn't as easy to lose. Consider purchasing a spare in case you don't have one. This will lower the possibility of losing your keys.
It is common to have a traditional car key made by a locksmith, or at an auto dealer, based on the model of your car. It is important to note that the dealer may need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
A majority of modern cars come equipped with a keyless entry system which allows you to unlock the car using a remote control device. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only way to get your car started once more is to visit the locksmith or dealer and ask them to connect a new fob to your car. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the same place every when you return home. It could be in the entry table or a bowl on your front porch or even a hook on the door, it will aid in remembering the location of your keys and where they will be in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. Info might feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys.
Luckily, panicking will not aid you in finding your keys. It may even make things worse. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to solve your issue as fast as possible.
Begin by going back through your day and recalling the last time you used them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also go through the steps you followed to see whether they were located anywhere else. You can also look over your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.
If you've tried everything and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also search your freezer and fridge. You will need to open and shut the appliances and then feel inside as you may find small items.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing them. This will make it easier to find them because they are more noticeable and longer. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright color to make them stand out against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Contact the police
It's obvious that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is call the police. Notifying the police of your keys missing from your car immediately is crucial so that you do not need to worry about someone else using your vehicle or even getting into your home. The early reporting of your loss can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.
If you contact the police and ask them to inform you if your keys have been found by people or have been stolen. They'll also provide advice on some preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found they'll likely request information about the date you lost them, and the location you were in prior to that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry the key. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, go back in time to try to remember when you lost the keys. You might have dropped them on a table, or in your bag while reaching for something.
This can only be performed by the dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. It could cost several hundred dollars, based on the car's model and brand. model. You can also call GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies and is available via the GEICO app. This service could save your time and money by providing an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
5. Contact for a locksmith
When you're on the run and put your car keys in your trunk for just a second and they'll disappear. This is a scenario that plays out often, since keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you cannot always stop this from happening. But you can make steps to lessen your chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will help you find your keys in the event that they become lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal of your key that has been lost and makes it easier to find.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call locksmiths who will visit and replace the keys. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle A locksmith can create keys for you.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, but if you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealer to get one custom-made specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys online. But, ensure you check if the key can be programmed for your particular vehicle.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful event, but it doesn't have to be. You can retrieve your keys by following the tips above. Just remember to keep cool and calm. Don't get scared! Be aware that you aren't alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.