What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most difficult experiences you have. In the shuffle of school pick ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things can are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to 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 lost items. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car or you're trying to prepare for the day and drop your keys in a rush, it can happen to anyone. There are a few things you can do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
You'll need to retrace all of your steps. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic However, it's essential to remember exactly where you last saw your keys and the places you went after that. It can also be helpful to note down your steps, so that you can look them up in the future.
If you've gone back to the same spot and still haven't found your car keys, it may be time to start looking in more obvious places. Check the pockets or bags you've been carrying around throughout the day, and also your house. Be aware that your keys are probably located nearby, but not in a place you'd expect. You can also locate your keys by examining other items they're usually associated with such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried all the options and are still unable to locate your keys, it might be time to call an 24 hour locksmith to help. But before you call, consider some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Get a spare key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or just disappear completely. At one time, this was no big issue since it was simple to obtain a new key at any locksmith or hardware store. But with advances in key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to obtain an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It is advisable to keep a spare car key on hand. You won't have to call a tow truck and will be able to get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your key. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than your usual keychain, to ensure that it's not misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, consider making one to decrease the chances of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car you may be able to have a traditional key made by a locksmith, or a dealership. However, it is important to note that the dealer may have to program the key for your specific vehicle.
A majority of modern cars are equipped with an entry system which allows you to unlock your car using a remote control device. If you lose your fob, the only way to get it back is to visit the dealer or locksmith to have them match a replacement fob with your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, try to make it a habit to place your keys in the same location every time you arrive home. You can 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 can be an extremely painful experience. It can be a bit overwhelming and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking will not help you locate your keys. It could cause more problems. Be calm and follow the steps below to find your keys as quickly as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last place you were when you last saw them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to search all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you followed to see whether they were located anywhere other than your pocket. You can also look over your car, but you will need to thoroughly search both the exterior and interior.
If you've searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. You can also look in your freezer and fridge. You'll need to open and shut both appliances and feel inside for small items.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing keys. This will help you keep track of them, and also make them more difficult to find 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 are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the Police
It's obvious that the first thing you need to do when you lose 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 need to worry about someone using your vehicle or getting into your home. Reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, since most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from the dealership.
If lost keys of car contact the police and ask them to inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been stolen. They'll also give you advice on the steps you can take. If the keys aren't found they'll likely be asking you for information regarding the time you lost them, and where you were before that.
If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't function electronically the first thing you should do is to check your bags, pockets and anywhere else you normally carry the keys. After you've done that take a walk through your day and try to recall the place you lost keys. You may have dropped them on a table or in your bag when you reached for something.
This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. This can cost several hundred dollars, depending on your car's brand and model. You can also contact emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service will save you time and money by delivering a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk when making errands, they could quickly disappear. This scenario plays out often, considering that keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent this from occurring. You can, however, take steps to reduce the chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea however, it isn't a ensure that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could help you find your keys if they do disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal from your lost keys which makes it easier to find.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call a locksmith who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able to make a new key for you if you have proof that proves you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your car's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, however If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealership to have one made specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. But, ensure you verify that the key can be programmed for your particular vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful However, it doesn't need to be. You can get your keys back by following these tips. Be calm and do not be in a panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone Every car owner loses keys at some point.