25 Surprising Facts About Lost My Car Keys
lost car key My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost car keys with no spare at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to be prepared.
Depending on your vehicle the first call you must 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 more difficult than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). In reality, the situation can often be much more grave. It is crucial to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and thoroughly search. To accomplish this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to help you search, as another set of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you lost keys to my car your keys in a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something different.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem like common sense but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things are lost when we reach for them but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a long day and just want to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
While you're walking around, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also common to lose your keys in a congested area, such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these areas.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to do this make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't put them there too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.
4. Contact the police
We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You may be doing a quick errand, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab a bag of groceries. Whatever the reason it happens to all.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you lose any item. This way, you can submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house, at the store, or at a location that is public.
Before you start ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you seen them. It's also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always an excellent idea to make a copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy ways to aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and searching for the areas in which you think they could be. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. It's not common for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.
Call a locksmith and ask whether they have your keys. They may be able cut keys for you or alter your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a major downer on your day. You may have been running a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have put them down to grab something for a moment and lost track.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will create a paper trail and will help to stop people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being fined.
The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost car key to local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you are covered before making a claim.
Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will prevent you from having to deal with the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
You can lose your keys at any moment. You could be out on a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and not remember where you put the keys.
There are ways to prevent this from happening again. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on the phone. Once you open the app, it will ring or flash to assist you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in locating the keys if they aren't in range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same spot each time you return home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or hung on a hook near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If you've lost car key service your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. So you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be dealt with in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable alternative.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an updated key. Based on the model and make of your vehicle it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home especially in areas where you tend to lose things.