10 Untrue Answers To Common Lost My Car Keys Questions Do You Know The Correct Answers?
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there will come a time when you lose your car keys. When this happens it's crucial to know what to do.
It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and even lead to unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.
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 tend to take a more dire direction. It is important to keep your cool and return to your path if you lose your keys.
It is also important to remember that most things aren't lost for ever, and are often found in odd locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it's an ideal idea to go back and look over your steps. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You can also ask a friend to assist you for items, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking in common places like key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost them at the store, talk to other customers or workers to see if they have noticed something unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may appear obvious however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry including purses and jackets, and make sure to look around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.
It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and look for places you are sure they aren't, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many times, items go missing when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and just want to get home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.
While you're walking around be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a congested area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys there ensure that you can easily 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 can also hide your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the police
Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a bit distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys on the seat or you might just need two free hands to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to all of us.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you can make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside your home at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.
Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw when you last looked at your keys in your mind. It is also an excellent idea to ask other people in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they are busy or distracted. There are a few simple tips you can use to assist.
Begin by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you're unable to locate them, try checking in the car itself. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth taking a look.
Last but not least, contact an locksmith to see if they are able to help you find your lost keys . They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, according to your particular situation.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are instances that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a major damper on your day. You might have been running an errand that was quick and accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.
replacing lost car keys is important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your car without your permission. It also prevents you from being penalized.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you've reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered prior to filing a claim.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many other options available. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys when you least would. You could be out on a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long day at work and forget where you put keys.
Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the future. The best method for doing this is to use 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 aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they aren't in range.
You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this an habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get taken care of if something happens to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and most affordable option.
For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You will likely have go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 depending on the model and make of your vehicle.
To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.