What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. Things could get lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to be in a panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly will usually result in finding the most important element.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a secret that keys are among the most frequently misplaced items. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and you're 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 rush it could happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things you can do before calling a locksmith help.
First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. It isn't easy to remember where you were when you last saw your keys, and where you went afterwards. It might be useful to write down the steps you completed to be able to look them up later.
If lost car key replacement have searched in obvious places and still cannot find your keys, you may have to look in other places. Be sure to check your bags or pockets that you've worn during the day, and in your home. Be aware that your keys are probably located nearby, but not in the location you'd expect. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items they're typically paired with, such as bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you've tried all of these options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it could be time to contact an 24 hour locksmith to help. Before calling a locksmith, you can try these tips to keep your keys from being lost again.
2. Find a spare key
It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions all by themselves. In the past this wasn't a huge issue since it was simple to find a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. However, with the advancements in technology for key fobs it's now much more difficult to get the replacement keys for keys lost.
It's recommended to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key can save you from calling a tow truck and will make getting your vehicle back losing your key a lot simpler. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different spot than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily misplaced. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already own one. This will reduce the possibility of losing your keys.
It is common to have an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith, or at an auto dealer, based on your vehicle's model. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your particular vehicle.
A lot of modern cars come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car with the remote control. If you lose the fob, your only option is to visit the locksmith or dealer to have them connect a replacement fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, establish a routine to keep your keys in the same spot each time you return home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty Your Pockets
Losing your car keys is an awful feeling. You might feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking won't help you locate your keys. It may even make things worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to resolve your issue as fast as possible.
Start by going back through your day and recollecting where you last saw them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you followed to see if they were found anywhere else. You could also examine your car, but you will need to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior.
If you've looked everywhere and still can't locate your car keys then it's time to begin more advanced searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll have to open and shut each of these appliances and check inside, since you never know where small objects might be hiding.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to connect them to a long lanyard or chain. This will make it easier to locate keys because they're more noticeable and longer. 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. Reporting your lost car keys immediately is important to ensure that you don't have to worry about someone using your vehicle or even entering your home. Besides, reporting your loss at an early stage also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys at the dealership.
They'll inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they've been taken when you call them. They'll also give you advice on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely request you to give details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior to the incident occurred.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't function electronically The first thing to do is to check your pockets, bags, and any other places you normally carry the keys. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry them, you should go back to the beginning of time to remember the date you lost the keys. It's possible that you set them down on a counter, or reached into your bag to grab something, and the keys were thrown out.
This is only done by the dealer if have a transponder working electronically. This could cost a few hundred dollars, based on the brand and model. You can also contact GEICO for assistance in an emergency that is available 24/7 through the GEICO app. This service can save your time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Call for a locksmith
If you're out running errands and put your car keys in your trunk for a moment and they'll be gone. This scenario occurs often, since lost car keys are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from happening. However, you can make steps to decrease 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 can help you locate your keys in the event they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal of your lost keys, making it easier to find.
If you can't find your car keys, you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace them. The locksmith will be able make a new key for you, provided that you have proof that you are the owner, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, however If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. But make sure you verify that the key is programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful event However, it does not have to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Just remember to keep calm and don't get stressed! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some time or another.