This Is The Ugly The Truth About Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost auto key replacement at some point, no matter how organized you are. If this happens it's crucial to be aware of what to do.
Based on the model of your car the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design a replacement key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). In reality, the situation can often be much more grave. If you lose your keys, it's essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and search thoroughly. To do this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight with you to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for items, as a second pair of eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you're still not finding your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets, and jackets you wore or used recently. If you've lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something different.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys missing may seem like common sense however, you must take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets you have on you, including those in jackets and purses and be sure to look around every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the recycling and trash bin in case your keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something other.
You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things go missing when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and just want to get back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite TV show. You find that your keys to your car keys lost are missing.
Examine desks and pockets that are packed. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a congested area like inside a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those places.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to do this ensure that you can open the gas cap on your Car Keys Lost What To Do from the outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.
You might also try hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be sure that you don't secure them too tightly, as you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door of your car.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat or you might just require two hands to carry a load of food items. It happens to all of us.
If you lose something, it's important to contact the police away. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside your home or at the store or somewhere else public.
Before you start ensure that you follow your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last looked at your keys in your mind. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car safe and prevent others from using it (which may result in extra costs like replacing door locks and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Contact a locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few easy ways to aid.
Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and searching for the areas in which you think they could be. If you're still unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not common for people to lose their keys in the visor or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to cut you a brand new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to replace a lost car key to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. 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. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. It might be that you were running an errand and accidentally left them on the seat or maybe you put your key down for a moment to grab something and lost track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to car key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will be recorded on paper and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. This also helps you avoid being fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to take them in as personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to filing a claim.
Consider buying an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least think about it. You could be on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and forget where you placed keys.
There are ways to prevent this happening again. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on the phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to assist you in finding them in case your keys aren't in range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same place each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.
If you have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.
For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a bit more difficult. You will need to visit your local dealership to obtain a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle, this could cost you upwards of $200.
To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.