What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most difficult experiences you have. Things can get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.
Remember to not panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking for a long time will often lead to finding the key.
1. Retract your steps
It's no secret that keys are among the most commonly misplaced objects. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, distracted when you get out of your car, or at home, rushing to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll have to go back through every step. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic, but it's important to remember exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you visited after that. It may be beneficial to record the steps you did so that you can look them up later.
If you've searched in obvious locations but cannot find your keys, you may have to look elsewhere. Examine your purses and pockets and also the house. Keep in mind that your keys will likely be in close proximity but they're not in a visible spot. It could also be helpful to search for your keys near any other items they are typically associated with, such as laptops or purses.
If you have tried everything but are still unable to locate your keys, then it's time to call for an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. But before you call, consider these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing in the future.
2. Get an extra key
It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from coat pockets, couch cushions or even all by themselves. At one time it wasn't a big issue since it was simple to get a new key at any locksmith or hardware store. But with advances in key fob technology, it's become much more difficult to find a replacement for lost keys.
It is advisable to keep an extra car key on hand. You will not have to call a tow truck and will be able to get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your key. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily lost. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider getting one made to reduce the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle, you can have traditional keys made by a locksmith or dealership. However, it is important to remember that the dealer may have to program the key for your specific vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles are equipped with a keyless entry system which allows you to unlock the car using a remote control device. If you lose your fob, your only option is to go to the locksmith or dealer to help them match a replacement fob with your vehicle. To avoid click through the next website page from happening, make it a habit to place your keys in the same location every time you get home. It is possible to put 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 can be an awful feeling. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Panicking won't solve your problem and could make it worse. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to resolve your issue as quickly as possible.
Begin by thinking about your day and recalling the last time you were when you last saw them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to look through all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you followed to see whether they were located anywhere other than your pocket. You can also look inside your car to determine whether they've been discarded however you'll have to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've tried everything and still can't find your lost car keys then it's time to begin more advanced searches. This includes looking in the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances and check inside, since you never know where small objects might be hiding.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard can be a great way to prevent losing keys. This helps you keep track of them, and also make them harder to lose due to the sound they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright hue so that they stand out against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the Police
It's obvious that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is to contact the police. Reporting your keys missing from your car immediately is crucial to ensure that you do not need to worry about someone using your car or getting into your home. Reporting your loss early will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from the dealership.
They'll inform you if they've found your keys or if they have been taken when you call them. They'll also advise you on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found they'll likely ask you for details about when you lost them, and where you were before that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places where you normally carry the key. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry them, go back in time to try to remember when you lost keys. It's possible that you put them on a counter, or went into your bag to grab something and keys dropped out.
This can only be done by the dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. It can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, based on the make and model of your car. You can also contact GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies that is available 24/7 through the GEICO app. This service can save you money and time by delivering the locksmith via mobile to you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you put your keys in the trunk when making errands, they could easily disappear. This scenario happens all too often, as keys missing from cars are the third most misplaced item in America1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. You can, however, take steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
The use of a spare key may 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 if they do 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 locate.
If you are unable to locate the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able to make a new key for you, provided that you have proof that proves you are the owner, like your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, but if you have an intelligent key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to have one made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but be sure to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific car.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful, but it does not have to be. You can get your keys back by following these tips. Be sure to remain calm, and don't panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some moment in time.