What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most difficult experiences you experience. Things can get lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery visits and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a secret that keys are among of the most common items that are lost. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an adventure, distracted while getting out of your car or even at home rushing to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll have to go back through all your steps. This can be a challenge in a state of panic however, it's crucial to keep track of where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you visited after that. It might be useful to write down the steps you completed to be able to look them up later.
If you have searched in obvious locations but aren't able to locate your keys, you may have to look in other places. Check your pockets and bags and also the house. Keep in mind that your keys could be located nearby, but not in a place you'd expect. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items they are usually paired with like bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you've gone through all of these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do, try some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future.
2. Get a Spare Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or just disappear completely. Once upon a time, this was no big problem since it was easy to find an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. However, due to advancements in the field of key fob technology, it's become much more difficult to get an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It's best to always keep a spare car key on the go. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck and will aid in getting your vehicle back losing your key much simpler. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than your usual keychain, to ensure that it's not misplaced. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't already have one. This will decrease the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car you may be able to have a traditional key created by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to note that the dealer might need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles come equipped with an entry system that lets you unlock your car using the remote control device. If you lose your fob, your only option is to visit the locksmith or dealer to help them pair the replacement fob with your vehicle. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same spot every when you return home. You can place your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty your pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. You may feel helpless and panicked if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking won't help you find your keys. In fact, it could cause more problems. Try to remain calm and follow the steps listed below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by thinking about your day and recalling the last time you were when you last saw them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, make sure to check all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also go through the steps you took to see whether they were found other than your pocket. You can also look over your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and interior.
If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also search your freezer and fridge. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where small items might have been hidden.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This helps you keep track of them and also make them more difficult to misplace due to the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Contact the police
The first step following losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting the keys missing from your car immediately is essential to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone using your car or getting into your home. The early reporting of your loss will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.
When you call the police, they'll be able to inform you if your keys have been discovered by someone or have been stolen. They'll also offer some tips on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely ask you to give details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior that incident.
If lost key to my car using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically, the first thing to do is to look in your pockets, bags, and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, you should go back in time to try to remember when you lost keys. You might have tossed them on a table or your bag after reaching for something.
This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. This can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, based on the model and brand of your car. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency, which is always available via the GEICO app. This service will save you time and money by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Contact a Locksmith
When you're on the run and you put your keys to your car in the trunk for a moment and they'll disappear. This scenario is frequent, considering that keys are the third-most misplaced item among Americans1. You can't prevent this from happening every day. You can, however, take steps to lessen your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will help you locate your keys in the event they get lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal of your lost key, making it much easier to locate.
If you cannot find your car keys, contact locksmiths who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able to create a new key on behalf of you, provided that you can prove that you are the owner, like your vehicle's title or registration.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace. If you own a remote key fob or smart key, you'll have to contact your dealer to get one made. You can also buy replacement keys online. But make sure you verify that the key is programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys could be stressful however it doesn't have to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Be calm and not panic! Be aware that you aren't alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.