What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. Things could get lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.
Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Retracing your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most important element.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a secret that keys are among the most frequently misplaced objects. If you're on the run and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day and forget keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll need to repeat all of your steps. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last viewed your keys, or where you went afterwards. It may be useful to write down the steps you did so that you can look them up later.
If you've searched in obvious places and still aren't able to locate your keys, you may need to look elsewhere. Make sure you look in any pockets or bags that you've been carrying around during the day, as well as your home. Be aware that your keys could be in the vicinity, but not in the location you'd expect. You can also find your keys by examining other items they are typically paired with, such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried all the options and still can't find your keys, it might be time to call an 24 hour locksmith to help. Before you call a locksmith, try these suggestions to prevent your keys from being lost again.
2. Get a spare key
It's not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats and couch cushions, or all by themselves. It used to be easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. With the advent of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.
For this reason, it's best to keep a spare key on hand. You won't have to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily return your vehicle if you lose your keys. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than your normal keychain so it's not as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, consider having one made to minimize the chances of losing your keys.
You can usually have a traditional car key created by a locksmith or an auto dealer, based on your vehicle's model. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your particular vehicle.
Many modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using remote controls. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only method to get your car running again is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and have them pair a new fob with your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, establish a routine to place your keys in the same location every time you arrive home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch, or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty your Pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. It doesn't matter if you lost keys in the rush to leave the house, or your young ones hid them in the couch to play hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and insecure.
Luckily, panicking won't aid you in finding your keys. In fact, it may even make things worse. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to resolve your problem as quickly as possible.
Start by going back through your day and recollecting the last time you used them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, be sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also go through the steps you took to see if they were found anywhere else. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.
If you've searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also search your freezer and fridge. You will need to open and shut each appliance and look inside for small objects.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to connect them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will allow you to keep track of them as well as making them more difficult to misplace due to the sound they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright colour.
4. Contact the police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to call the police. It is essential to report lost car keys as soon as you lose them so that you don't face any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. In addition, reporting your loss in the early stages also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys at the dealership.
They'll tell you if they have found your keys or if they've been stolen when you contact them. They'll also advise you on the steps you can take. If they can't locate your keys, they will likely request information about when you lost them, and where you were before that.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't operate electronically the first thing you should do is to check your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, you should go back in time to remember the date you lost the keys. It's possible that you set them down on a counter, or searched your bag to grab something and then the keys dropped out.
If you own transponder keys that operate electronically, it will need to be linked to the car and this can be done at a dealership. It can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, based on the brand and model of your car. You can also contact GEICO for emergency roadside assistance and is available through the GEICO app. This service will save your time and money by offering an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
5. Call a Locksmith
When you're on the run and you put your car keys in your trunk for a moment, they can easily disappear. This is a scenario that happens often, considering that lost car keys are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to stop this from happening. However, you can make steps to lessen your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea but it does not ensure that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event that they are lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal from your lost keys and makes it easier to locate.
If you can't locate your car keys you should contact an locksmith to come and replace the keys. The locksmith can create a new key for you if you have proof that proves you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, but if you have an intelligent key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but be certain to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific car.
Losing your car key can be stressful But it doesn't need to be. By following the tips listed above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Be sure to remain calm, and don't panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some moment in time.