Lost My Car Keys? Here's what to Do If Lost car keys to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how to replace lost car key organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this situation.

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

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can 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 the case). However, in reality, things tend to take a more dire turn. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and follow the steps.

It's important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in odd locations. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. To do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to help you search, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost key in car them at a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may appear obvious, but you should take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets you have on you including those in jackets and purses and be sure to look around every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where you know it is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza and watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a messy spot such as inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly, as they could be crushed when you shut the door.

4. Contact the police

We are prone to lose things when we're distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to every person.

If you have lost something, it is important to call the police right away. This way, you can file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is essential when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or in public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last observed them. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and prevent others from using it (which could result in additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea in the event that you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Contact for a locksmith

Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially if they're distracted or in a rush. There are, however, a few actions you can take to aid.

Retrace your steps and looking for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you still can't find them, check the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Last but not least, contact an locksmith to see if they can help you find your lost car key with no spare keys. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even change your locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a major damper on your day. You could have been on a quick errand when you accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to grab something for a moment and lost track.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and can prevent other people from using your vehicle without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get penalized.

If you've reported your keys as i lost the key to my car to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to take them in as personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to make sure you're covered before filing an insurance claim.

Think about buying the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any time. You could be out on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and forget where you put them.

There are ways to stop this from happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to assist you locate your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that others can assist you to locate them if they are out of range.

You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to notify your insurance company immediately. This way you'll be able to rest sure that your claim will be dealt with correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.

For more modern cars with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll likely need to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get a new key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.