Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys lost keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These professionals can create keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However, in reality, things tend to take a more gloomy turn. If you lose your keys, it is essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It is also important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very odd places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for you, because 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, search for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or lost Keys car employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem like common sense, but you should take the time to do it with care. Empty all of the pockets you carry including those in purses and jackets and be sure to look around every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

It may be helpful to go through your steps again and search places where you are sure they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. Many times, items are lost when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and you're eager to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're walking around, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You could also leave your keys in a congested area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the police

We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've left your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry a bag of food items. Whatever the reason it happens to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is important if you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or in public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you observed them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's recommended to create copies of it in case something similar happens to you again.

5. Contact for a locksmith

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

Start by retracing your steps and looking for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to find them, try checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys that hang from their keychains or the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

When you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys at times and it can cause you to lose your day. It could be because you were running an run and forgot to put them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down to grab something and lost track of it.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.

If you've reported your keys as Lost My Car Key to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. But, it's advisable to check with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing a claim.

Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or any of the other options available. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

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 do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long working day and not remember where you placed them.

There are ways to avoid this from happening again. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to assist you find your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that others can assist you to find them if they are out of range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a bit more difficult. You will need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost of replacing lost car keys upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a good idea, Car Key Lost particularly in areas where you can't find things.