What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. Things can get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery visits, and other chores.
The most important thing to remember is not to panic. Retracing your steps and searching for a long time will often lead to finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among the most frequently misplaced items. It can happen to anyone, whether you're on an errand, distracted while getting out of your car, or at home, hurrying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. If you've lost your car keys There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith for assistance.
You'll need to retrace all of your steps. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last saw your keys, and also where you went afterward. It may be helpful to write down the steps you took so that you can look them up later.
If you've retraced your steps and still can't find your car keys, it could be time to look at more obvious places. Be lost my car key to check the pockets or bags you've worn throughout the day, and in your home. Remember that your keys could be in the vicinity, but not in a place you'd think of. You can also find your keys by looking near other items that they are usually associated with such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you have tried all these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. But before you call, consider some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Find an extra key
It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from coat pockets and couch cushions, or just by themselves. It was once easy to replace keys that were lost at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology it has become more difficult to replace keys lost.
This is why it's best to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key can save you from having to call a tow truck and will help you get your vehicle back in the event of losing your keys much easier. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than the usual keychain to ensure that it's not misplaced. Consider getting a spare made in case you don't have one. This will reduce the possibility of losing your keys.
It is common to have an old-fashioned car key made at a locksmith or at a dealership, depending on the model of your car. However, it is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your particular vehicle.
A majority of modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems which allows you to unlock your car using an electronic remote control. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only way to get your car started once more is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and let them pair a new fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, keep a routine of put your keys in the same location every time you get home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch, or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty your Pockets
Losing your car keys is an awful feeling. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking won't help you locate your keys. It could cause more problems. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to fix your problem as quickly as you can.
Begin by going back through your day and recollecting the last time you used them. Check all your pockets and bags If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also go through the steps you took to see whether they were located anywhere else. You can also examine your vehicle to determine whether they've been discarded however, you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the car.
If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. You can also search your freezer and fridge. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This makes it easier to locate them since they're more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Call the Police
It's obvious that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is to call the police. Notifying the police of your lost car keys immediately is important so that you do not have to worry about someone using your vehicle or even entering your home. Besides, reporting your loss in the early stages also benefits you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
When you call the police and they'll inform you that your keys have been discovered by someone or have been stolen. They'll also advise you on the steps you can take. If your keys haven't been discovered, they'll likely ask you to provide information about the time you lost them and what you were doing prior to that incident.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places you normally carry them, look back in time to recall the time you lost them. It's possible that you put them down on a counter, or went into your bag to grab something and then the keys fell out.
This can only be performed by a dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. It could cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, based on the model and brand of your car. You can also call emergency roadside service from GEICO and is available 24/7 via the GEICO mobile app. This service will save you time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you're out running errands and leave your car keys in your trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This is a scenario that happens often, since keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. It's impossible to stop this from happening all the time. However, you can make steps to decrease your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not guarantee that you won't lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device will assist you in finding your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects the signal of your lost keys, making it easier to locate.
If you can't locate the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able create a new key for you if you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, like your vehicle's title or registration.
The traditional keys are the most straightforward to replace. If you own an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but be sure to check to see whether the key you buy can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car key can be stressful But it doesn't need to be. If you follow the suggestions given above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Just remember to keep calm, and don't panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some moment in time.