What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most difficult experiences you endure. Things could get i lost the key to my car in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.
Remember to not panic. Finding the key typically requires repeating your steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It’s not a secret that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. Whether you’re running an errand and you’re distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you’re at home trying to get ready for the day and forget keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. If you’ve lost keys to your car, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith for assistance.
In the beginning, you’ll need to retrace your steps. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last saw your keys, and where you went afterward. You may find it helpful to write down the steps you did so that you can look them up later.
If you’ve retraced your steps and still haven’t found your car keys, it may be time to start looking in more obvious locations. Check any pockets or bags that you’ve been carrying around throughout the day, as well as your house. Keep in mind that your keys could be somewhere nearby – just not in the place you’d think of. You can also locate your keys by looking near other items they’re usually associated with such as the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you’ve gone through all of these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. Before calling a locksmith prices for lost car keys, make sure you follow these tips to keep your keys from being lost again.
2. Get an extra key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear into pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. Once upon a time this wasn’t a huge issue since it was simple to obtain a new key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the advent of key fob technology it’s now more difficult to replace keys lost.
For this reason, it’s recommended to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key will save you from having to call an tow truck and aid in getting your vehicle back losing your keys much more simple. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different spot than your normal keychain so it’s not as easily misplaced. Consider getting a spare made if you don’t already have one. This will decrease the chance of losing your keys.
It is possible to get a traditional car key created by a locksmith or a dealership, based on the car’s model. It is important to know that the dealer may need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
Many modern cars have a keyless entry system that allows you to unlock your car using an electronic remote control. If you lose the fob, the only way to get it back is to visit the dealer or locksmith to have them match the replacement fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, establish a routine to keep your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. You can place your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch, or on the table in the entryway.
3. Empty Your Pockets
Losing your car keys is an extremely painful experience. It can be a bit overwhelming and anxious if you’ve lost your car keys.
Panicking won’t solve your problem and may even cause it to get worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to fix your issue as quickly as you can.
Begin by reviewing your day and recalling where you last saw them. Go through all your bags and pockets if you recall that they were in your wallet. You can also retrace the steps you took to see whether they were located anywhere in the world. You can also examine your vehicle to determine whether they’ve been abandoned there however, you’ll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you’ve tried everything else but are unable to locate your car keys then it’s time to start more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the fridge and freezer for your keys. You’ll have to shut and open the appliances and then feel inside to see if you can find small items.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another effective way to ensure you don’t lose them. This will help you keep track of them, and also make them more difficult to find due to the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It’s also beneficial to put your keys in a bright hue to make them are visible against other items in your handbag or pockets.
4. Call the police
It’s evident that the first thing you must do after losing your car keys is call the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them so that you don’t run into problems with someone using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. In addition, reporting your loss in the early stages will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and replacement keys at the dealership.
They will be able let you know if they’ve discovered your keys or if they have been stolen when you call them. They will also give you some tips on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys haven’t yet been found, they’ll likely ask you to give details of when you lost them and what you were doing before that incident.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you normally carry the key. After you’ve checked your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, you should go back in time to remember when you lost them. It’s possible that you set them down on a counter somewhere or searched your bag to get something and then the keys were thrown out.
If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it’ll need to be linked to the car, which can only be done at the dealership. This can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also call GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies that is available 24/7 via the GEICO app. This service can save you money and time by delivering a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk when making errands, they could quickly disappear. This scenario happens all too often, as lost car keys lost keys are the 3rd most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to stop this from occurring. But you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, however, it isn’t a guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can assist you in finding your keys if they do disappear. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects the signal of your lost keys, making it easier to find.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will visit and replace them. If you are able to provide proof of ownership, for example the registration or title of your vehicle the locksmith will be able to create a key for you.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, but If you own an electronic key or a remote key fob, you’ll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to verify whether the key you buy can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys can be stressful But it doesn’t have to be. You can retrieve your keys by following the tips above. Be sure to remain calm and don’t get stressed! Be aware that you aren’t alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.