Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there comes an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

Depending on the vehicle you have the first phone 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 difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and even lead to unpleasant calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality, things tend to take a more dire direction. It is crucial to keep your cool and retrace your steps when you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in the usual places, such as key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something unusual.

It may seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for your missing car keys However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on purses and jackets. Check the zippered areas. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't in, like the freezer or fridge. 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 worked hard all day and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge watch your favorite show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to lose your keys in a crowded spot like inside 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 decide to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you can open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.

4. Call the police

It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You could be running a quick errand and put your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to carry a load of groceries. Whatever the reason, it happens to everyone.

If you lose something, it's crucial to contact the police immediately. You can then file a police report to protect your car from theft. This is important when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Before you start make sure you go back to your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you seen them. It is also a good idea to ask other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car secure and also stop others from using it (which could lead to additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, if you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Call an expert locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, some ways you can aid.

Start by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you might have left them. If you're still not able to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor, so it's worth a quick look in there.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. 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 the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge damper on your day. You could have been on an errand that was quick and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to get something to grab for a second and lost track.

Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also stops you from getting fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to cover them as they're personal property. But, it's advisable to check with your agent to make sure you're covered before filing an insurance claim.

Consider purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the headache of replacing your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You might be running a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work, and don't remember where you put them.

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

You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've i've lost my car keys your car keys or they've been stolen the most important thing is to inform your insurance provider right away. You can be assured that your claim will be dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can get an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

It might be more difficult for vehicles with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will likely have to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the model and make of your car.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office especially in areas that you tend to drop things.