What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things sometimes are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not panic. Finding the key is usually repeating your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are the most frequently lost objects. Whether you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car or you're trying to get ready for the day and forget your keys in a rush it could happen to anyone. There are a few things you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll need to retrace all of your steps. This can be a challenge in a panic mode However, it's essential to keep track of exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you visited following that. It may also help to record your steps to be able to look them up later on.
If you have searched in obvious places and still can't locate your keys you may have to look in other places. Check your pockets and bags, as well as the home. Keep in mind that your keys are probably somewhere nearby - just not in the place you'd expect. It may also be beneficial to locate your keys near any other items they're usually associated with, such as the laptop or purse.
If you've tried all of these options but you're still not able to locate your keys, it could be time to call an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. Before you call a locksmith, make sure you follow these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.
2. Get an extra key
Car keys have an amazing ability to disappear inside pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. Once upon a time this wasn't a huge deal since it was easy to find a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in technology for key fobs it's now much more difficult to get an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It's best to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key will save you from calling a tow truck and will make getting your vehicle back if you happen to losing your keys much more simple. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different place than your normal keychain to ensure that it's not misplaced. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already own one. This will lower the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you can have traditional keys made by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer will need to program the key to fit your car.
Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car with a remote control. If you lose your fob, your only option is to visit a locksmith or dealer to help them connect an alternative fob to your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, make it a habit to place your keys in the same location every time you get home. Whether it's in the entry table or an empty bowl on your front porch, or even a hook by the door, it can make it easier to remember the location of your keys and where to find them in the future.
3. Empty your Pockets
Losing your car keys can be an awful feeling. It can be a bit overwhelming and anxious if you've lost your car keys lost replacement keys.
Luckily, panicking won't help you locate your keys. In fact, it can cause more trouble. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to fix your problem as quickly as possible.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recollecting the last spot you saw them. Examine all of your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat the steps you took to see if they were found anywhere other than your pocket. You can also look over your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.
If you've searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, then it's time for more advanced searches. You can also search your fridge and freezer. You will need to open and shut the appliances and then feel inside for small objects.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is a great way to prevent losing them. This makes it easier to locate them since they're louder and longer. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright color so that they are noticeable against other items in your bag or pocket.
4. Call the Police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting your lost keys to the police immediately is crucial to ensure that you do not need to worry about someone using your vehicle or even getting into your home. In addition, reporting your loss in the early stages will also help you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
If you contact the police and they'll inform you if your keys have been discovered by someone or have been stolen. They'll also offer some tips on how to replace lost car keys you can prevent theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found they'll likely ask you for details regarding the time you lost them, and the location you were in prior to that.
If you have an old-school metal key that isn't working electronically, the first thing to do is check your bags, pockets, and any other places you normally carry the keys. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry them, look back in time to remember when you lost keys. You might have tossed them on a table, or in your bag while reaching for something.
If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it must be linked to the car and this can be done at the dealership. It could cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your car. You can also contact GEICO for emergency roadside assistance, which is always available through the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you're out running errands and put your keys to your car in the trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This is a scenario that happens often, since keys missing from cars are the 3rd most i lost the keys to my car item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from happening. You can, however, make steps to decrease the chance of losing them.
Having a spare key can help, but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will aid in finding your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal from your keys that have been lost, making it easier to locate.
If you can't locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will come and replace them. The locksmith can create a new key on behalf of you, provided that you have proof that proves you are the owner of the vehicle, like your vehicle's title or registration.
The traditional keys are the most simple to replace. If you have a remote key fob or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have one made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to check to see whether the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific car.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful However, it doesn't need to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Remember to stay calm and do not panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not the only one Every car owner loses keys at some time or another.