Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to know what to do.
Based on the model of your car, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. Losing lost key to my car G28 Car Keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). But, in reality things tend to take a more gloomy direction. It is essential 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 located in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is an ideal idea to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to search dark corners 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're still not finding your car keys after going back to your steps and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost them at the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they noticed anything out of the ordinary.
It may seem obvious to look in your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Empty all of the pockets you have on you, including those in jackets and purses and look around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.
It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and search places where you know they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many items are lost when we reach for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and are eager to go home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.
While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a congested area like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these places.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You might be running a quick errand, and you've left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to pick up the food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. This way, you will be able to file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your home or at the store or somewhere else public.
Before you do this, be sure to go back to your steps. Recreate the scene from when you last saw your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will help ensure your car's security and stop others from stealing it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always recommended to create an exact copy of it in case this happens to you again.
5. Call for a locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few easy tips you can use to aid.
Start by retracing the steps you took and searching for the areas where you think they might be. If you're still struggling to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
It is possible to lose your keys to your car at times and it can cause you to lose your day. It might be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the floor or maybe you put your key down to grab something but lost the track of it.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will leave a trail on paper and helps to stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being penalized.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing a claim.
Keep an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will save you from having to go 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
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they aren't in reach.
You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same place every time you come home. It doesn't matter if you place them in an table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. So you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.
For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Based on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.