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Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
No matter how well-organized you are, there's a time when you lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to be prepared.
Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unwanted calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality, the situation can often be much more serious. When you lose your keys, it is important to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they're often found in unusual locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. To accomplish this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a family member or friend member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently wore or used. If lost keys in car 've lost them at the store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they noticed anything unusual.
It may seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do it in a thorough manner. Clean out all pockets you carry such as purses and jackets and be sure to look around every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It could be beneficial to go back again and search places where you are sure they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many things are lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered such as tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. You could also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car, make sure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, thieves might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Contact 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 put your keys on the seat, or you may require two hands free to pick up a bag of food items. It happens to every person.
When you lose something, it's crucial to notify the police right away. You can then file a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside your home at the grocery store, or at a location that is public.
Before you begin ensure that you retrace your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from when you last seen them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always a good idea to make copies of it in case this occurs again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a rush. There are some things you can do to help.
Begin by retracing the steps you took and searching for the areas you believe they may be. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take a quick look in there.
Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they can help you find the keys you lost. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are instances when you lose your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. It could be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or maybe you put your key down to grab something, but lost track of it.
It is important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your car without permission. It also stops you from getting penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to filing an claim.
Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be out on a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long day at work and not remember where you placed the keys.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that others can assist you to find them if they are not in range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same place every time you get 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 help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company immediately. You can be sure that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not have chip) you can purchase an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest alternative.
It may be more difficult for cars with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. Depending on the make and model of your vehicle it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you can't find things.