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Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. If this happens it's crucial to know what to do.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can create an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). However, in reality, things often take a much darker turn. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to help you search, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas like key hooks examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your own pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine the zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bins in the event that keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things go missing when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go home, put on your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You can also put your keys in a crowded space, like the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't secure them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you close the car door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, content and you've left your keys on the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to grab a bag of food items. It happens to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home or at the store or at a location that is public.

Make sure to go through every step before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last saw them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from using it. (This could lead to costs like new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's not uncommon for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a hurry. There are a few simple ways to help.

Begin by retracing the steps you took and searching in the places you believe they may have been left. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Lastly, call a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to cut you a key or change the locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Make sure you have proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. 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

You might lose your car keys at times and it could ruin your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you might have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your car without permission. This can also ensure that you don't get fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid the stress of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be out on an errand and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget where you put them.

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

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same spot every time you come home. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or hung on a hook near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your keys to your car lost key or if they're stolen. So you can be sure that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith prices for lost car keys. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an updated key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.