What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. Things could get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.
Remember to not panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are among of the most frequently used objects that get lost. Whether you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day, and then drop your keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith for help.
First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. It isn't easy to remember where you were when you last viewed your keys, or where you went afterwards. You may find it useful to write down the steps you took so that you can find them later.
If you've gone back to the same spot and still can't find your car keys, it might be time to look in more obvious places. Examine your purses and pockets and the home. Be aware that your keys could be somewhere nearby - just not in the place you'd expect. You can also find your keys by looking around other items they are usually paired with like the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've gone through all of these options and are still unable to locate your keys, it may be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. Before calling a locksmith, make sure you follow these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing again.
2. Find an extra key
It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions simply by themselves. It used to be easy to replace keys that were lost at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology it has become more difficult to replace keys lost.
It is recommended to always have an extra car key in your side. You won't have to call a tow-truck, and can easily return your vehicle if you lose your key. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than your normal keychain to ensure that it's not misplaced. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already have one. This will reduce the chance of losing your keys.
You can usually have a traditional car key created by a locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle's model. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
A majority of modern cars are equipped with an entry system that allows you to unlock your car using a remote control device. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only solution to get your car running again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and ask them to pair a new fob with your vehicle. Try to make it a habit of placing your keys in the exact same place every when you get home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch, or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is an awful feeling. If you lost keys in the rush to get out of the house or your little ones hid them under the couch for a game of hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and overwhelmed.
Doing something to solve your issue won't help and may cause it to become worse. Keep calm and use the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.
Start by going back through your day and recalling where you last saw them. Check all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also go back through your steps to determine whether you've seen them in any other places. You can also look over your vehicle, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.
If you've searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. You can also search in your freezer and fridge. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where tiny objects might be hiding.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to connect them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This helps you keep track of them, and also make them harder to lose because of the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Call the police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately is essential to ensure that you don't have to be concerned about someone else using your vehicle or entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss at an early stage also benefits you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
They will be able let you know if they've discovered your keys or if they have been taken when you call them. They'll also provide advice on some preventative steps to take. If they can't locate your keys, they will likely ask you for details about the date you lost them, and the location you were in prior to that.
If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't function electronically The first thing to do is to check your pockets, bags, and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, you should go back in time to try to remember the date you lost keys. You might have dropped them on a table or your bag when you reached for something.
If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it'll need to be paired with the car, which can only be done at the dealership. It could cost several hundred dollars, depending on the car's model and brand. model. You can also call emergency roadside service from GEICO, always available through the GEICO mobile app. This service will save you time and money by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk while doing errands, they can quickly disappear. This scenario occurs often, considering that keys to cars that are lost are the 3rd most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you cannot always stop this from happening. However, lost car keys can take steps to reduce your chances of losing them.
Having a spare key can help, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device can help you locate your keys in the event that they are lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal of your lost keys and makes it easier to locate.
If you're unable to find your car keys, you should call an locksmith to come and replace them. If you have proof of ownership, for example the title or registration of your vehicle A locksmith can create keys for you.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, however If you own an electronic key or a remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealership to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. But, ensure you check if the key is programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful event, but it doesn't have to be. By following the tips that are listed above, you will be able to recover your keys and get back on the road. Remember to stay calm and do not get in a panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not the only one Everyone loses their car keys at some time or another.