What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. Things can get lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery visits and other chores.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to not get in a state of panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.

1. Retract your steps

It's no secret that keys are among the most frequently misplaced objects. If you're on the run and you're distracted while getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day and drop your keys in a rush It can happen to anyone. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.

You'll need to retrace all of your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode, but it's important to remember exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you visited following that. You may find it helpful to write down the steps you did so that you can search them later.

If you've tried searching in obvious places and still cannot find your keys, you may have to look in different places. Check your pockets and bags and also the house. Remember that your keys may be located nearby, but not in the location you'd think of. It can also be helpful to search for your keys near any other items they're typically associated with, such as laptops or purses.

If you have tried every option but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for a 24-hour emergency locksmith. But before you call, consider some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:

2. Get a spare key

Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear inside coat pockets, under couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. At one time this wasn't a huge issue since it was simple to obtain a new key at any locksmith or hardware store. However, due to advancements in technology for key car lost fobs, it's become much more difficult to obtain a replacement for lost keys.

It is advisable to keep a spare car key on the go. You will not have to call a tow-truck and will be able to easily get your vehicle back if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily misplaced. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already have one. This will lower the likelihood of losing your keys.

You can usually have a traditional car key made by a locksmith, or at a dealership, based on your vehicle's model. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your specific vehicle.

A lot of modern cars come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car by using a remote control. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to get your car running once more is to visit the locksmith or dealer and let them connect a new fob to your vehicle. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same spot each time you arrive home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.

3. Empty your pockets

The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. It doesn't matter if you lost keys in the rush to get out of the house, or your little ones hid them in the couch for a game of hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and overwhelmed.

Luckily, panicking won't aid you in finding your keys - and it can cause more trouble. Be calm and use the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.

Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last place you were when you last saw them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also go back through your steps to determine if you've come across them in any other places. Finally, you can always check your car to see whether they've been abandoned there however you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the vehicle.

If you've tried everything else and aren't able to locate your car keys It's time to start more advanced searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and look around the inside, as you never know where small items may have been hiding.

Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will make it easier to find them since they're louder and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.

4. Contact the police

It is obvious that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is call the police. Reporting your lost keys to the police immediately is essential to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone else using your vehicle or even entering your home. Notifying your loss in time can also be beneficial in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.

They will be able let you know if they've discovered your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They'll also give you advice on the steps you can take. If your keys haven't yet been found, they'll likely request you to give details of when you lost them and what you were doing before that happened.

If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't function electronically the first thing you should do is to check your bags, pockets and anywhere else you normally carry them. After that, walk back through your day and try to recall where you lost keys. You may have dropped them on a table or in your bag when you reached for something.

If you own transponder keys that operate electronically, it'll need to be connected to your car, which can only be done at the dealership. It can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, based on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also contact GEICO for emergency roadside assistance and is available via the GEICO app. This service will save you time and money by providing a mobile locksmith for you.

5. Contact a Locksmith

When you're running errands and put your keys to your car in the trunk for just a second, they can easily disappear. This is a scenario that plays out all too often, as lost car keys are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from happening. But you can take steps to reduce your chance of losing them.

The use of a spare key may assist, but it can't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will help you find your keys should they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys and makes it easier to find.

If you can't locate your car keys, call a locksmith who will come and replace them. The locksmith can create a new key on behalf of you, provided that you have proof that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.

The classic keys are most simple to replace. If you own an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will need to contact your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make certain to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.

Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience, but it does not have to be. You can retrieve your keys by following the tips above. Remember to stay calm and don't get in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone Every car owner loses keys at some point.