What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be one of the most difficult experiences you have. In the shuffle of school pick ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things can get misplaced.
Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Finding the key usually involves repeating your steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It's no fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. If you're on the run and you're distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day and forget keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. There are some steps you can take before 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 when you're in a panic however, it's crucial to keep track of exactly where you last saw your keys and the places that you went following that. It may be helpful to write down the steps you took so that you can look them up later.
If you've gone back to the same spot and still haven't found your car keys, it might be time to begin looking in more obvious places. Examine your purses and pockets, as well as the home. Remember, your keys are likely to be in close proximity They're just not in a convenient location. You can also locate your keys by looking near other items they are usually associated with such as the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you have tried all these options but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time for an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. But before you do that, try some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future.
2. Get a spare key
Car keys have an amazing ability to disappear into pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. It was once easy to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to obtain an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It is advisable to keep an extra car key in hand. You won't have to call a tow truck and will be able to return your vehicle if you lose your key. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than the usual keychain so it's not as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, consider having one made to minimize the chance of losing your keys.
It is common to have a traditional car key created by a locksmith, or at a dealership, depending on the car's model. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
Many modern vehicles come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car with a remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to start your car once more is to visit the locksmith or dealer and ask them to pair a new fob with your car. Make it a routine to place your keys in the exact same place every time you arrive home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. It doesn't matter if you dropped them in the rush to leave the house or your little ones kept them on the couch to play hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and insecure.
Luckily, panicking will not aid you in finding your keys - and it may even make things worse. Keep calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by going back through your day and recollecting where you last saw them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, be sure to search all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also go through the steps you took to see if they were found anywhere other than your pocket. You can also look over your car, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and interior.
If you've searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. You can also search in your fridge and freezer. You will have to shut and open the appliances and then feel inside to see if you can find small objects.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will allow you to 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's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright shade to make them stand out against other items in your handbag or pocket.
4. Call the police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to contact the police. Notifying the police of your lost keys to the police immediately is essential to ensure that you don't have to be concerned about someone using your vehicle or even getting into your home. In addition, reporting your loss at an early stage will also help you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
They'll inform you if they've found your keys or if they've been stolen when you contact them. They'll also advise you on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found they'll probably ask you for details regarding the time you lost them and where you were prior to that.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't function electronically, the first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets, and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry them, look back in time to recall the time you lost keys. It's possible that you put them on a counter somewhere or went into your bag to grab something, and the keys fell out.
If you own transponder keys that operate electronically, it'll need to be connected to your car and this can be done at the dealership. It can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, based on the brand and model of your car. You can also contact GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies, which is always available via the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by sending a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Call a locksmith
If you're out running errands and put your car keys in your trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This is a scenario that plays out often, considering that keys to cars that are lost are the third most misplaced item in America1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. But you can take steps to minimize your chances 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 could help you find your keys if they do become lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your keys that have been lost, making it easier to locate.
If replace lost car keys are unable to locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will come and replace the keys. The locksmith will be able create a new key on behalf of you as long as you have proof that you are the owner, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
The traditional keys are the easiest to replace. If you own an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will need to contact your dealer to have one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online. However, make sure you check if the key can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful But it doesn't need to be. You can retrieve your keys by following these tips. Just remember to keep calm, and don't panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone Everyone loses their car keys at some time or another.