Lost My Car Keys: 10 Things I'd Loved To Know Earlier

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

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

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause anxiety, and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality, things can take a darker direction. If you lose your keys, it is important to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to retrace and search your steps. In order to do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you lost them in the store, ask employees or customers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem like common sense however, you must do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycling bin in the event that your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.

It could be beneficial to go through your steps time and look around for areas where you know they're not, such as the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items go missing when we try to find them but then take them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go home, put on your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to leave keys in a congested area, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you do this, make sure you open the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also hide 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 shut the door.

4. Call the police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a little bit distracted. You may be running a quick errand and have your keys in the seat, or you might just need two free hands to grab a bag full of food items. It happens to everyone.

If you lose something, it is important to contact the police away. This way, you can file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is important if you have lost your keys outside your home, in the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you observed them. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's a good idea to make copies of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Contact a locksmith

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

Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still unable to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.

Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They may be able make you a new key or even change your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title.  simply click the following article  could take for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, according to your particular situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a huge impact on your day. It could be that you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down to grab something, but lost the track of it.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will be recorded on paper and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from getting fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to take them in as personal property. However,  lost vehicle key replacement  to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an insurance claim.

Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with 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

Sometimes you'll lose your keys when you least expect it. You could be out on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and not remember the place you put keys.

There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that others can assist you to find them if they are not in range.

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

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately when you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and cheapest alternative.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more challenging. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Based on the model and make of your car, this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.