What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. Things could get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.
Be sure not to panic. Finding the key is usually repeating your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most frequently used objects that get lost. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day and drop your keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. There are some things you can do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
In the beginning, you'll need to go back and trace your steps. This can be challenging in a state of panic however, it's crucial to keep track of exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you visited following that. It might also be helpful to write down your steps, to be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you've searched in the most obvious places but cannot find your keys, you may need to look elsewhere. Look in lost car key and no spare and pockets, as well as the home. Remember that your keys could be somewhere nearby - just not in a place you'd expect. It may also be beneficial to search for your keys near other items they're typically paired with, like a laptop or purse.
If you've tried all of these options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it may be time to call an 24 hour locksmith to help. Before calling a locksmith, make sure you follow these tips to keep your keys from being lost again.
2. Find a spare key
It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions simply by themselves. In the past, this was no big deal since it was easy to find an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. But with advances in key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to get an alternative for keys that have been lost.
For this reason, it's best to keep a spare key handy. You will not have to call a tow-truck and will be able to easily return your vehicle if you lose your keys. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than the usual keychain so it's not as easily misplaced. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already own one. This will lower the likelihood of losing your keys.
It is common to have a traditional car key created by a locksmith, or at an auto dealer, based on the model of your car. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using a remote control. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob the only way to get your car running again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and ask them to pair a new fob with your car. To avoid this from happening, try to keep a routine of keep your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. It could be in the entry table or the bowl on your front porch or even a hook on the door, it will aid in remembering the location of your keys and where they will be in the future.
3. Empty your pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. It can be a bit overwhelming and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Doing something to solve your issue won't help and may make it worse. Keep calm and use the steps below to locate your keys as fast as you can.
Begin by reviewing your day and recalling the last time you used them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also retrace your steps to see whether you've found them in any other places. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.
If you've looked everywhere else but are unable to find your lost car keys then it's time to move on to more advanced searches. This includes searching the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances and look around the inside, as you never know where tiny objects might be hiding.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This makes it easier to locate them since they're more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.
4. Contact the police
It's obvious that the first thing you need to do after losing your car keys is to call the police. Reporting your lost car keys immediately is important to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone using your vehicle or even getting into your home. The early reporting of your loss will also help you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.
When you call the police and ask them to inform you whether your keys were discovered by someone or have been stolen. They'll also give you advice on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely request you to provide information about the date you lost them as well as what you were doing before that happened.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key that isn't working electronically, the first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets, and any other places you normally carry the keys. After you've done that then go back through your day and try to remember where you lost the keys. You may have dropped them on a table or your bag when you reached for something.
This can only be done by the dealer if have a transponder that functions electronically. This can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, based on the brand and model of your vehicle. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you're out running errands and put your car keys in your trunk for a moment, they can easily disappear. This 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 make steps to lessen your chances of losing them.
A spare key can aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will help you find your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone when it detects the signal of your key that has been lost, making it much easier to locate.
If you cannot find your car keys, call locksmiths who will come and replace them. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle, a locksmith will be able create keys for you.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, but If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to request a custom-made key for you. You can also buy replacement keys online. But make sure you check that the key can be programmed to your specific vehicle.
Losing your car key can be stressful But it doesn't need to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Keep calm and don't be in a panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not the only one Everyone loses their car keys at some point.