Lost Car Key Its Not As Expensive As You Think
What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most difficult experiences you experience. Things are often lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery visits, and other chores.
The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. Making a note of your steps and searching for a long time will often lead to finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are the most frequently misplaced objects. It can happen to anyone, no matter if you're running an errand, distracted when you get out of your vehicle or even at home trying to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
The first step is to retrace your steps. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last viewed your keys, or where you went afterward. It might also be helpful to record your steps to be able to look them up in the future.
If you've gone back to the same spot and are still unable to locate your car keys, it may be time to start looking in more obvious places. Make sure you look in the pockets or bags you've been carrying around throughout the day, as well as your house. Keep in mind that your keys are likely to be close by - they're just not in a visible spot. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items they're usually paired with like a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried everything but you are still unable to locate your keys, then it's time to contact an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. Before calling a locksmith, try these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.
2. Get a spare key
Car keys have an amazing ability to disappear inside coat pockets, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. It used to be easy to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in key fob technology, it's become much more difficult to get an alternative for keys that have been lost.
For this reason, it's best to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key will prevent you from having to call a tow truck, and will help you get your vehicle back in the event of losing your key much easier. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily lost. You should consider getting a spare in case you don't have one. This will decrease the likelihood of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you can have a traditional key made by a locksmith, or a dealership. However, it is important to know that the dealer might need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
Many modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car using the remote control. If you lose your fob, your only option is to go to the dealer or locksmith to have them pair the replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit of placing your keys in the same spot every when you return home. Whether it's in the entry table or an empty bowl on your front porch, or even a hook near the door, it can make it easier to remember 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. Whether you lost keys in the rush to leave the house, or your young ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-and-seek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel anxious and insecure.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may cause it to get worse. Be calm and use the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.
Start by going back through your day and recalling where you had them last. If you recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to check all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you took to determine whether they were found else. You can also check your car, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior.
If you've tried everything and can't locate your car keys, then it's time to do more advanced searches. This could include searching in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You will need to open and shut the appliances and then feel inside as you may find small things.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a long lanyard or chain. This will help you keep track of them, and also make them more difficult to misplace because of the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright shade so that they stand out against other items in your bag or pocket.
4. Contact the police
It is obvious that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is to contact the police. Notifying the police of your keys missing from your car immediately is important so that you do not have to be concerned about someone else using your vehicle or even getting into your home. In addition, reporting your loss at an early stage can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
If you contact the police, they'll be able to inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been taken. They'll also offer some advice on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found they'll likely ask you for details about when you lost them, and where you were prior to that.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key that isn't working electronically the first thing you should do is to look in your bags, pockets, and wherever else you typically carry them. Once you've done this then go back through your day and try to recall the place you lost the keys. You may have dropped them on a table, or in your bag after reaching for something.
This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. This can cost several hundred dollars, based on your car's brand and model. You can also contact GEICO for assistance in an emergency, which is always available via the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by offering an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you're out running errands and you put your car keys in the trunk for a moment and they'll be gone. This scenario plays out often, since keys missing from cars are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent this from happening. But you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not ensure that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will help you locate your keys in the event they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys, making it easier to locate.
If you are unable to find your car keys, you should call a locksmith to come out and replace them. The locksmith can create a new key for you as long as you can prove that you are the owner, like your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, however If you own a smart key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealership to have one made specifically for you. lost vehicle key replacement can also buy replacement keys online, but be certain to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience However, it does not have to be. You can get your keys back by following these tips. Be calm and don't panic! Be aware that you aren't all on your own. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.