Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this situation.

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things that are more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unpleasant phone 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 is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a more dire direction. When you lose your keys, it is essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Remember that many things aren't lost car key how to replace forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to help you search for a second pair of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you've lost them in the store, talk to others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw anything out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bins in the event that your keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many items get lost when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're walking around take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to leave keys in a congested area such as in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys there be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally crush them when you shut the door of your car.

4. Call the police

We can lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up the food items. It happens to all of us.

If you lose something, it's important to call the police right immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if you find your keys lost spare car key outside your home at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.

Make sure to go through all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from when you last glimpsed your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help to keep your car secure and prevent other people from using it (which could result in additional costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea if you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

5. Contact a locksmith prices for lost car keys

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially if they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are a few ways you can help.

Retrace the steps you took and searching for the areas where you think they might be. If you're unable to find them, try looking inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace the locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your car keys from time to time and it can make your day miserable. It could be that you were running a quick errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you put your keys down for a moment to grab something, but lost car keys cost to replace the track of it.

It is important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper record and will stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from being fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you're insured prior to filing an insurance claim.

Consider keeping 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 go through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing 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 an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed the keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app on the phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to assist you in finding them if your keys aren't in reach.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to keep them in the same spot every time you get home. Whether it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be assured that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not have chip) you can purchase an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

For more modern cars with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a bit more challenging. You'll need go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.