Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. When this happens, it's important to be prepared.

You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even trigger unwanted calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However the situation could be much more grave. It is important to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you for you, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you've lost your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you carry, including those in purses and jackets and be sure to check every zippered space. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items go missing when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go home, change into your comfy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You discover that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're retracing your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You may also leave your keys in a crowded space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys under the car be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly as they could be crushed when you close the door.

4. Call the police

We can lose things when we are distracted. You may be doing an easy errand and you have left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to all.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to submit a claim and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is important in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or any other place in public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your mind. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help to keep your car safe and also stop others from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always a good idea to make an exact copy of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few basic things you can try to aid.

Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have left them. If you're still unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth a quick look in there.

Last but not least, contact an locksmith to see if they are able to help you find your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut you a key or change the locks if required. They also have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

When you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. It could take for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are instances that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a huge impact on your day. You may have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have put them down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper trail and will help to stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid being punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's best to check with your agent to make sure you're covered before you file a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or any of the other options available. This will save you from going through the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any time. You could be out for G28carkeys a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key car lost tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on the phone. The app will flash or ring once you open it to assist you in finding your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other people can help you locate them if they are out of range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to always put them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the entry table or a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. This way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.

It may be more difficult for vehicles that have smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need to go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get a new key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere other than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you lose things.