A Cheat Sheet For The Ultimate For Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how organized you are, there will come an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be prepared.
You should call a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. They can design a replacement key to fit your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause an anxiety-filled day and even trigger unwanted calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more grave. If you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Remember that many things aren't lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before resorting to extreme measures it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for you, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something different.
Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you including those in jackets and purses and look around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the recycling and trash bins in case keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.
You could also retrace your footsteps and search in places where the item is not, such as 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 been working hard all day and are ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and binge watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.
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 clothes. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot like in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've checked these places.
Under lost keys to car is another favorite place to hide. However, if you do this make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your car because thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.
You can also hide your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things simply because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running a quick errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to everyone.
It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to file a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your house or at the store or in a public place.
Before you start ensure that you follow your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last observed them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will keep your car safe and deter others from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea, should you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are, however, some actions you can take to assist.
Start by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you might have left them. If you're still struggling to find them, try checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith and inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. You might have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you might have put them down to take a look at something and then lost track.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will result in a paper record and prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. It also prevents you from getting punished.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing claims.
Think about purchasing the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
You can lose your keys at any moment. You could be out on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and forget where you put the keys.
There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on the phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to help you locate them if your keys are out of range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the table or hang them on a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. This way you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.
It might be more difficult for cars equipped with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll have go to your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Based on the model and make of your car it could cost you upwards of $200.
To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your house or office especially in areas where you are likely to lose things.