What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. Things are often lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery visits and other chores.
Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among of the most common items to misplace. It could happen to anyone, whether you're on an adventure, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or even at home hurrying to get ready for work and dropping your keys. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
In the beginning, you'll need to retrace your steps. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic, but it's important to keep track of exactly where you last saw your keys and the places that you went following that. It can also be helpful to note down your steps, so that you can be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it could be time to begin looking in more obvious locations. Check the pockets or bags you've been wearing throughout the day, as well as your house. Keep in mind that your keys may be in the vicinity, but not in the location you'd think of. It can also be helpful to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they're usually associated with, such as laptops or purses.
If you've gone through all of these options but you're still not able to locate your keys, it may be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do, try some of these tips to prevent your keys from disappearing in the near future:
2. Get a spare key
It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats, couch cushions or even all by themselves. Once upon a time, this was no big deal since it was easy to find an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it's now more difficult to replace keys lost.
It's best to keep a spare key handy. A spare key can save you from calling a tow truck and will aid in getting your vehicle back losing your keys much more simple. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain, so that it's less likely to lose. You should consider getting a spare in case you don't have one. This will lower the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own you may be able to have traditional keys made by a locksmith or dealership. It is crucial to remember that the dealer must program the key to fit your vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles come equipped with a keyless entry system which allows you to unlock the car with an electronic remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only solution to get your car started again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and ask them to connect a new fob to your car. Make it a habit to put your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. You can place your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch or on the table in the entryway.
3. Empty your Pockets
Losing your car keys is a terrible feeling. If you dropped them in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones hid them in the couch for a game of hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can make you feel frantic and helpless.
Doing something to solve your issue won't help and may cause it to become worse. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to resolve your problem as quickly as possible.
Begin by reviewing your day and recalling where you had them last. If you recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you followed to see whether they were found other than your pocket. Finally, you can always look inside your car to determine whether they've been abandoned there however, you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of your vehicle.
If you have searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, it's time to do more advanced searches. This could include searching in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances, and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a long lanyard or chain. This will help you keep track of them, as well as making them more difficult to misplace due to the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright shade so that they are visible against other items in your handbag or pocket.
4. Contact the police
The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. Notifying the police of your keys missing from your car immediately is essential to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone else using your vehicle, or even entering your home. Reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from dealerships.
If you contact the police and ask them to inform you that your keys have been discovered by people or been stolen. They'll also advise you on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely request you to provide details of the time you lost them and what you were doing prior to that happened.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't function electronically, the first thing to do is check your bags, pockets, and wherever else you typically carry the keys. Once you've done this then go back through your day and try to recall where you lost keys. It's possible that you put them on a counter somewhere or reached into your bag to grab something and then keys dropped out.
If you have a transponder key that works electronically, it'll need to be linked to the car, which can only be done at a dealership. This can cost several hundred dollars, depending on your car's brand and model. You can also contact GEICO for assistance in an emergency and is available through the GEICO app. This service could save you time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Call a Locksmith
When you're running errands and you put your car keys in the trunk for a moment, they can easily disappear. This scenario is common, since keys are the 3rd most lost item in the United States1. It's impossible to stop this from happening all the time. However, you can take steps to reduce your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could assist you in finding your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone when it detects an indication from your key that has been lost which makes it much easier to locate.
If you can't locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will come and replace the keys. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, for example the registration or title of your vehicle the locksmith can 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 have to call your dealer to get one made. You can also buy replacement keys online. However, make sure you verify that the key is programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing car keys lost no spare G28 Car Keys can be stressful But it doesn't need to be. You can get your keys back by following the tips above. Keep cool and calm. Don't get scared! Remember that you are not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.