What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most frustrating experiences you can have. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things sometimes get misplaced.
Be sure not to panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most important element.
1. Retract your steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most common items to misplace. It is a possibility for anyone, whether you're running an errand, distracted when you get out of your vehicle or at home trying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. If you've lost your car keys There are a few things you can try before calling a locksmith for assistance.
In the beginning, you'll need to go back and trace your steps. This can be challenging in a state of panic however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last seen your keys and the places you visited after that. It may be useful to write down the steps you completed to be able to search them later.
If you've retraced your steps and are still unable to locate your car keys, it could be time to start looking at more obvious places. Check your pockets and bags and also the home. Be aware that your keys could be located nearby, but not in a place you'd expect. It may also be beneficial to locate your keys near other items they are typically paired with, like the laptop or purse.
If you've gone through all of these options but you're still not able to locate your keys, it might be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you do, try some of these tips to prevent your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Find a spare key
Car keys have an amazing ability to disappear into coat pockets, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. It was once easy to replace keys lost at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it has become more difficult to replace lost keys.
This is why it's ideal to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key will prevent you from having to call a tow truck, and will help you get your vehicle back in the event of losing your key a lot more simple. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different place than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily lost. Consider getting a spare made in case you don't have one. This will reduce the likelihood of losing your keys.
It is possible to get an old-fashioned car key made at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on your vehicle's model. It is important to note that the dealer may need to program the key for your particular vehicle.
Many modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that lets you unlock your car using an electronic remote control. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob the only solution to get your car started again is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and have them connect a new fob to your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot each time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a terrible feeling to lose your car keys. You might feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Fortunately, panicking won't aid you in finding your keys. In fact, it can cause more trouble. Try to remain calm and follow the steps listed below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and remembering the last place you saw them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to search all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also retrace your steps to determine if you've come across them anywhere else. Finally, you can always examine your vehicle to determine whether they've been abandoned there, but you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've checked everywhere else but are unable to find your lost car keys then it's time to start more advanced searches. You can also look in your freezer and fridge. You'll need to open and shut both appliances and feel inside for small things.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to connect them to a long lanyard or chain. This will make it easier to locate them since they're louder and longer. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright hue so that they are noticeable against other items in your bag or pocket.
4. Contact the police
It's obvious that the first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to contact the police. Reporting your keys missing from your car immediately is important to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone using your vehicle or getting into your home. The early reporting of your loss can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.
They will be able inform you if they've found your keys or if they have been taken when you call them. They'll also provide advice on the steps you can take. If your keys aren't found they'll likely request information about the date you lost them, and where you were prior to that.
If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically the first thing you should do is to look in your pockets, bags, and anywhere else 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 the date you lost the keys. It's possible that you put them down on a counter, or searched your bag to get something and the keys fell out.
This can only be done by a dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. You can also contact emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service will save you time and money by providing an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk while running errands, they could easily disappear. This is all too common, since keys are the 3rd most lost item in the United States1. replacing lost car key to stop this from happening every day. You can, however, make steps to decrease your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea however, it isn't a guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will assist you in finding your keys should they disappear. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone whenever it detects the signal of the key you lost and makes it easier to locate.
If you're unable to locate your car keys you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace them. If you can provide evidence of ownership, for example the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith will be able create a key for you.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, but if you have an electronic key or a remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key for you. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. However, make sure you verify that the key can be programmed for your particular vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful, but it does not have to be. If you follow the steps listed above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Be calm and not be in a panic! Remember that you are not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.