What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. In the shuffle of school pick ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things sometimes get misplaced.
Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract your steps
It's no secret that keys are the most frequently lost objects. It can happen to anyone, no matter if you're running an errand, distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or at home, hurrying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. If you've lost your car keys There are some options you can try before calling a locksmith for help.
The first step is to retrace your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last viewed your keys, or where you went afterwards. It may also help to record your steps to be able to be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you have searched in the most obvious places but aren't able to locate your keys, you might need to look elsewhere. Be sure to check any pockets or bags that you've worn throughout the day, and in your house. Keep in mind that your keys will likely be in close proximity They're just not in a visible spot. You can also search for your keys by examining other items they are usually associated with such as the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've gone through all of these options and still can't find your keys, it might be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. Before calling a locksmith, make sure you follow these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.
2. Get a spare key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. It was once easy to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in the field of key fob technology, it's become much more difficult to obtain an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It is recommended to always have an extra car key on your side. A spare key will save you from calling a tow truck, and will aid in getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your keys much more simple. It is best to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain, so that it's less likely to lose. If you don't have a spare key, consider getting one made to reduce the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car, you can have a traditional key created by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
Many modern cars have keyless entry systems which allows you to unlock your car using the remote control device. If you lose your fob, the only way to get it back is to visit a locksmith or dealer to help them match the replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot every when you return home. If it's on the entry table or an empty bowl on your front porch or even a hook on the door, it can help you remember the location of your keys and where to find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. You might feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys.
Panicking won't solve your problem and may even cause it to become worse. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to resolve your issue as fast as possible.
Begin by thinking about your day and recalling the last spot you were when you last saw them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also retrace your steps to determine whether you've seen them in any other places. You can also check your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.
If lost car keys searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny objects might be hiding.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a long lanyard or chain. This will allow you to keep track of them as well as making them harder to lose due to the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. You can also make your keys stand out applying a bright hue.
4. Call the police
It's evident that the first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately is essential to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone using your car or entering your home. Notifying your loss in time can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, since most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from the dealership.
When you call the police, they'll be able to inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been stolen. They'll also give you some advice on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found they'll probably request information regarding the time you lost them and where you were before that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, you should go back to the beginning of time to remember the date you lost them. It's possible that you set them down on a counter somewhere or went into your bag to find something and keys dropped out.
If you own a transponder key that operates electronically, it must be linked to the car, which can only be done at the dealership. It could cost several hundred dollars, based on the brand and model. You can also contact GEICO for emergency roadside assistance, which is always available through the GEICO app. This service can save your time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Contact for a locksmith
If you're out running errands and you put your keys to your car in the trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This scenario is all too common, as lost keys are the third-most misplaced item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from occurring. But you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not ensure that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain can assist you in finding your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost key, making it much easier to locate.
If you can't locate the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will visit and replace the keys. The locksmith will be able create a new key for you, provided that you can prove that you are the owner, such as your car's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, however if you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealership to get one custom-made specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys on the internet. But, ensure you check if the key can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. If you follow the suggestions that are listed above, you will be able to find your keys and be back on the road. Be calm and not panic! Remember that you are not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.