What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. Things are often lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to panic. Finding the key is usually going back to your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a fact that keys are among the most frequently misplaced objects. It could happen to anyone, no matter if you're running an adventure, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or even at home hurrying to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are a few things you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
The first step is to go back and trace your steps. This can be a challenge in a state of panic However, it's essential to keep track of where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places that you went following that. It might be useful to write down the steps you completed to be able to look them up later.
If you've tried searching in obvious places and still cannot find your keys, you may need to look in other places. Check your pockets and bags and the house. Remember that your keys will likely be in close proximity - they're just not in a convenient location. You can also find your keys by examining other items they're usually paired with like a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried all of these options and still can't find your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. Before you call a locksmith, make sure you follow these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing again.
2. Find a spare key
It's not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions all by themselves. car keys lost used to be easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. However, due to advancements in technology for key fobs it's now much more difficult to obtain a replacement for lost keys.
For this reason, it's ideal to keep a spare key handy. You won't need to call a tow-truck and will be able to get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your key. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain to ensure it's less likely to lose. Consider purchasing a spare in case you don't have one. This will lower the likelihood of losing your keys.
It is possible to get a traditional car key created by a locksmith, or at an auto dealer, based on the car's model. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer must program your key to fit your car.
Many modern cars are equipped with an entry system that lets you unlock your car using an electronic remote control. If you lose the fob the only way to get it back is to visit a locksmith or dealer to have them pair a replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot every when you return home. Whether it's in the entry table or an empty bowl on your front porch or even a hook on the door, it will aid in remembering where they are and where you can find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is an extremely painful experience. Whether you lost them in the rush to leave the house or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-andseek and then lost your keys to your car can leave you feeling frantic and overwhelmed.
Doing something to solve your issue won't help and could make it worse. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys as fast as you can.
Begin by thinking about your day and remembering the last place you were when you last saw them. Examine all of your pockets and bags If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat the steps you took to determine whether they were found other than your pocket. You can also look over your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.
If you've checked everywhere else and aren't able to locate your car keys that you lost It's time to move on to more sophisticated searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer for your keys. You'll need to shut and open each of these appliances and look around the inside, as you never know where small items may have been hiding.
Another excellent method 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 keys because they're louder and longer. You can also make your keys stand out using a bright colour.
4. Contact the police
It's obvious that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is to contact the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon you lose them so that you don't run into any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss early will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys at the dealership.
They'll be able to inform you if they've found your keys or if they have been stolen when you call them. They'll also give you advice on preventative steps to take. If your keys haven't been discovered, they'll likely ask you to give details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior that incident.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't function electronically the first thing you should do is to check your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry the keys. Once you've done this, walk back through your day and try to recall the place you lost keys. You might have tossed them on a table or in your bag after reaching for something.
If you have a transponder key that works electronically, it will need to be connected to your car and this can only be done by a dealership. This can cost several hundreds of dollars, based on your car's brand and model. You can also contact GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies, which is always available through the GEICO app. This service can help you save money and time by delivering the locksmith via mobile to you.
5. Call a Locksmith
When you're running errands and put your car keys in the trunk for a moment and they'll be gone. This is a scenario that occurs often, since keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. It's impossible to stop this from happening every day. However, you can take steps to lessen the chances 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 aid in finding your keys should they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal of your lost keys, making it easier to locate.
If you're unable to locate your car keys you should call an locksmith to come and replace them. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, for example the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith will be able to create keys for you.
The traditional keys are the easiest to replace. If you have a remote key fob or smart key, you'll need to contact your dealer to get one made. You can also buy replacement keys online. But, ensure you verify that the key can be programmed to your particular vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful event however it isn't necessary to be. By following the tips listed above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Just remember to keep cool and calm. Don't get scared! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone Every car owner loses keys at some point.