Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there's an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. If this happens it's crucial to be aware of what to do.

You should call an auto locksmith or a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of 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 the case). But, in reality things often take a much more gloomy turn. When you lose your keys, it's essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.

It's important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they are often found in some very unusual places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's recommended to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you lost keys for car no spare your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

It may seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Take out all pockets you carry including purses and jackets and be sure to look around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in the event that keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

It may be helpful to go back again and search places where you are sure they aren't, such as the refrigerator or freezer. Sometimes, items go missing when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys have disappeared.

While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly because they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a little bit distracted. You might be running a quick errand and put your keys in the seat, or you might just require two hands free to carry a load of food items. It happens to every person.

If you have lost something, it's crucial to call the police right away. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from theft. This step is especially important if your keys are lost car key outside of your home, at the store, or somewhere else public.

Before you start, be sure to go back to your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help ensure your car's security and also stop others from stealing it (which may result in extra costs like replacing door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's recommended to create an exact copy of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. Luckily, there are a few ways you can assist.

Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, look in the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact locksmiths to find out if they can help you find your lost car keys replaced keys. They may be able cut you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you lose your car keys, and it can put a major damper on your day. It could be that you were running an task and left them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down for a moment to grab something and lost track of it.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and helps prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being fined.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost The keys to my car to the local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to filing claims.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will eliminate the stress of having to replace your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You might be out for a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

There are ways to prevent this happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other people can help you find them if they are lost.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, making the habit will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider immediately. You can be sure that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and least expensive solution.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You will likely have to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get a new key. Depending on the model and make of your car, this could cost of replacing lost car keys anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.