What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. Things are often lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery trips, and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a fact that keys are among the most frequently lost objects. If you're on the run and you're distracted while getting out of your car or you're trying to get ready for the day and forget your keys in a rush it could happen to anyone. If you've lost keys to your car, there are some things you can do before calling a locksmith assistance.
You'll need to retrace all your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode However, it's essential to remember exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you went after that. It might be beneficial to record the steps you completed to be able to search them later.
If you've searched in obvious places and still can't locate your keys you may need to look in different places. Check your pockets and bags and the home. Keep in mind that your keys will likely be in close proximity but they're not in a visible spot. You can also find your keys by looking around other items that they are typically paired with, such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried all the options and still can't find your keys, it could be time to call an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you call, consider these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing in the future.
2. Get a Spare Key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear from coat pockets, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. It used to be easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. But with advances in technology for key fobs, it's become much more difficult to get an alternative for keys that have been lost.
This is why it's ideal to keep a spare key in your car. A spare key will save you from having to call an tow truck and aid in getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your key much simpler. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different place than the usual keychain to ensure that it's not lost. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider making one to decrease the chances of losing your keys.
company website is possible to get an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith, or at an auto dealer, based on the car's model. It is important to know that the dealer might need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
A majority of modern cars have keyless entry systems which allows you to unlock the car using a remote control device. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob the only method to get your car running from scratch is to go to the dealer or a locksmith and ask them to pair a new fob with your car. To avoid this from happening, try to establish a routine to place your keys in the same location every time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or on the table in the entryway.
3. Empty your pockets
It's a terrible feeling to lose your car keys. It doesn't matter if you lost keys in the rush to get out of the house, or your young ones hid them under the couch to play hide-and-seek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel frantic and overwhelmed.
Luckily, panicking will not help you locate your keys - and it can cause more trouble. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to fix your issue as quickly as you can.
Begin by thinking about your day and recalling the last place you saw them. Check all your bags and pockets in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've found them elsewhere. You can also check your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.
If you've looked everywhere else but are unable to locate your car keys, it's time to begin more advanced searches. You can also search your freezer and fridge. You will need to open and shut both appliances and feel inside to see if you can find small things.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to connect them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will allow you to keep track of them, as well as making them harder to lose because of the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright color to make them stand out against other items in your handbag or pockets.
4. Contact the police
It's obvious that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is to call the police. It's important to report your lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them so that you don't face any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. Besides, reporting your loss in the early stages also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage as most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
They'll be able to tell you if they have found your keys or if they have been taken when you call them. They'll also offer some tips on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely request you to provide information about the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior that happened.
Check your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry them, look back in time to try to remember the date you lost them. It's possible that you put them down on a counter, or went into your bag to grab something, and keys were thrown out.
If you own transponder keys that operate electronically, it'll need to be connected to your car and this can be done at the dealership. It could cost several hundred dollars, depending on the brand and model. You can also contact GEICO for assistance in an emergency, which is always available through the GEICO app. This service can help you save money and time by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Contact a locksmith
When you're running errands and put your keys to your car in the trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This is a scenario that occurs often, since keys missing from cars are the third most misplaced item in America1. You can't prevent 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 help you locate your keys in the event they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys which makes it easier to find.
If you can't locate your car keys you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace the keys. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, for example the registration or title of your vehicle the locksmith will be able to create a key for you.
The classic keys are most simple to replace. If you own an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will need to contact your dealer to get one made. You can also buy replacement keys online. But make sure you check if the key can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be stressful, but it does not need to be. By following the tips that are listed above, you will be able to retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm and do not panic! Remember that you are not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.