What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most frustrating experiences you can experience. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things can get misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not get in a state of panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly will usually result in finding the most important element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most frequently used items that are lost. If you're on the run and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to get ready for the day, and then drop your keys in a hurry, it can happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith help.
You'll have to go back through every step. It isn't easy to remember where you were when you last looked at your keys, or where you went afterwards. It may be beneficial to record the steps you took so that you can search them later.
If you have searched in obvious places and still cannot find your keys, you might need to look in other places. Check your pockets and bags and the house. Remember, your keys are likely to be in close proximity but they're not in a visible spot. You can also locate your keys by looking near other items they are usually paired with like bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you've gone through all of these options and still can't find your keys, it may be time to contact a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you call, consider some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:
2. Find an extra key
Car keys have an amazing ability to disappear inside coat pockets, under couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. In the past this wasn't a huge issue since it was simple to obtain an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. With the introduction of key fob technology, it is now much more difficult to replace lost keys.
It's best to keep a spare key in your car. You will not have to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your key. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than your usual keychain, so that it isn't as easily lost. You should consider getting a spare in case you don't have one. This will lower the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you can have a traditional key created by a locksmith or a dealership. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer will need to program the key to fit the vehicle you are driving.
A lot of modern vehicles come equipped with an entry system that allows you to unlock the car with an electronic remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only method to start your car from scratch is to go to the locksmith or dealer and have them connect a new fob to your car. Try to make it a routine to place your keys in the exact same spot every time you arrive home. Whether it's in the entry table, an empty bowl on your front porch, or even a hook near the door, it will aid in remembering the location of your keys and where you can find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a terrible feeling to lose your car keys. It can be a bit overwhelming and panicked if you lose your car keys.
Doing something to solve your issue won't help and may cause it to become worse. Be calm and use the steps below to find your keys as fast as you can.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recalling the last spot you saw them. Check all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also retrace the steps you took to see whether they were located anywhere other than your pocket. You can also look inside your car to determine whether they've been discarded, but you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the vehicle.
If car lost key replacement looked everywhere else and aren't able to locate your car keys that you lost then it's time to start more advanced searches. You can also search your fridge and freezer. You'll need to shut and open each of these appliances and look around the inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will make it easier to locate them because they are more noticeable and longer. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright shade to make them stand out against other items in your bag or pocket.
4. Call the police
The first step following losing your keys is to contact the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon you lose them to ensure you don't have problems with someone using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss in the early stages also benefits you in terms of insurance coverage since most policies 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 people or been stolen. lost vehicle keys will also give you some advice on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll probably be asking you for information about the date you lost them, and the location you were in prior to that.
Check your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry the key. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry them, go back to the beginning of time to remember the date you lost them. It's possible you put them on a counter or went into your bag to find something, and the keys fell out.
This can only be done by the dealer if have a transponder working electronically. This could cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the car's model and brand. model. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency that is available 24/7 through the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Contact for a locksmith
If you place your keys in your trunk while making errands, they could quickly disappear. This is a scenario that plays out all too often, as keys missing from cars are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you cannot always stop this from occurring. You can, however, take steps to reduce the chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could help you find your keys in the event that they become lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone when it detects an indication from the key you lost which makes it much easier to find.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call locksmiths who will visit and replace them. The locksmith will be able to make a new key for you as long as you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, but when you have an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to get one custom-made specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online. But, ensure you verify that the key can be programmed to the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful event however it isn't necessary to be. If you follow the steps listed above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Keep cool and calm. Don't get scared! Keep in mind that you're not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.