lost my car keys (learn this here now)? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this scenario.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that can happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a more dire turn. It is crucial to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you in your search for you, as a second pair eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after retracing your steps and checking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you lost car keys replacement them in a store, ask other customers or workers to determine if they saw anything unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for your missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where the item is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to go back home, change into your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to do this, make sure you remove the gas cap outside your car because a thief could easily see you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.

You can also hide your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be running an errand and put your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands to carry a load of groceries. It happens to everyone.

If you lose something, it is important to contact the police away. This way, you can make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is essential if you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store or in public.

Before you begin, be sure to follow your steps. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you saw them. It is also a good idea to ask other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's always recommended to create an exact copy of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Call a Locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're distracted or in a rush. There are some actions you can take to help.

Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places in which you think they could be. If you still can't find them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut you a key or change your locks, if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can use your car's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys from time to time and it can ruin your day. You could have been on a quick errand when you misplaced your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and lost track.

It is crucial to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This creates a paper trail and will help prevent others from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid being penalized.

The homeowner's insurance policy could cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before you file a claim.

Think about purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the headache of replacing a lost car key your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any moment. You could be on an urgent errand, only to forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and forget where you placed keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to help locate your keys. A majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions, so that other users can help you locate them if you are not in range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always put them in the same spot every time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in an table in the entryway or on a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It is essential to inform your insurance company immediately in the event that you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. So, you can rest sure that your claim will be dealt with properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not have chips) you can purchase an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You will likely have to go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Depending on the make and model of your car it could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your office or home particularly in the areas where you tend to lose things.