What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most stressful experiences you endure. Things could get lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery visits, and other chores.
The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. Retracing your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among the most commonly misplaced objects. It is a possibility for anyone, whether you're on an adventure, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or at home rushing to get ready for work and dropping your keys. If you've lost your car keys There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith for help.
You'll have to go back through all of your steps. This can be difficult when you're in a panic however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you went after that. It might also be helpful to note down your steps to be able to look them up later on.
If you've tried retracing your steps and still can't find your car keys, it might be time to look in more obvious places. Look in your bags and pockets and also the house. Keep in mind that your keys could be somewhere close by but they're not in an obvious place. You can also find your keys by examining other items they are usually paired with like a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried everything but still cannot find your keys, then it's time to contact an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. Before calling a locksmith, try these suggestions to prevent your keys from being lost again.
2. Get a spare key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or just disappear completely. At one time it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to get a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in technology for key fobs it's becoming more difficult to get an alternative for keys that have been i lost the keys to my car.
This is why it's ideal to keep a spare key lost car handy. You will not have to call a tow truck and will be able to easily get your vehicle back if you lose your key. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different place than your normal keychain to ensure that it's not lost. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider getting one made to reduce the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle, you can have traditional keys made by a locksmith or dealership. It is important to remember that the dealer must program the key to fit your car.
A lot of modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using the remote control. If you lose your fob, the only way to get it back is to visit a dealer or locksmith to have them pair an alternative fob to your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same spot each time you arrive home. Whether it's in the entry table or the bowl on your front porch or even a hook by the door, it will aid in remembering where they are and where to find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car lost key keys is an extremely painful experience. It doesn't matter if you lost them in the rush to get out of the house, or your young ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-and-seek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel anxious and insecure.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may even cause it to become worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to fix your problem as quickly as possible.
Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last time you were when you last saw them. Examine all of your bags and pockets in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also retrace your steps to see whether you've seen them anywhere else. You can also check your car, but you will have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.
If you've tried everything else and aren't able to find your lost car keys It's time to move on to more advanced searches. This includes searching the freezer and fridge to find your keys. You will have to shut and open the appliances and then feel inside to see if you can find small objects.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a long lanyard or chain. This makes it easier to find keys because they're more noticeable and are longer. You can also make your keys stand out using a bright colour.
4. Call the police
The first step following losing your keys is to contact the police. Notifying the police of your lost car keys (you can try these out) immediately is crucial to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone using your vehicle, or even entering your home. Reporting your loss early will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They'll be able to let you know if they've discovered your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They'll also give you some advice on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If your keys haven't been discovered, they'll likely ask you to provide details of when you lost them and what you were doing prior to the incident occurred.
If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't function electronically, the first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets and anywhere else you normally carry the keys. After that then go back through your day and try to remember the place you lost the keys. You might have tossed them on a table, or in your bag when you reached for something.
This can only be performed by the dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. This can cost several hundreds of dollars, based on your car's brand and model. You can also call GEICO for emergency roadside assistance that is available 24/7 through the GEICO app. This service will save you time and money by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Call a locksmith
If you're out running errands and put your car keys in your trunk for a moment, they can easily disappear. This scenario happens often, since lost car keys are the 3rd most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from occurring. However, you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.
Having a spare key can assist, but it can't guarantee that you won't lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain can help you find your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal of your lost keys which makes it easier to find.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should contact an locksmith to come and replace the keys. If you have evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith will be able to create keys for you.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, but If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealership to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online. But, ensure you check if the key can be programmed to the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful event, but it isn't necessary to be. If you follow the steps that are listed above, you will be able to retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Keep cool and calm. Don't get scared! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.