The Most Pervasive Issues With Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there comes the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. If this happens it is crucial to be prepared.
You should call an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on the vehicle. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However it is possible for the situation to be much more grave. It is important to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It's also important to remember that most things aren't lost for ever, and are often found in unusual locations. Before resorting to extreme measures it is a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to help you search for a second pair of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking at common locations like key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags, and jackets you wore or wore recently. If you've lost your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.
It may seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for the missing car keys However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Empty all of the pockets you have on you such as those in jackets and purses and check every zippered space. replace lost car key 's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bins in case keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.
You can also trace your steps and look in places where the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and are eager to get home, put on your comfortable sweats, have some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to lose your keys in a congested area, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those places.
Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to do this, make sure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.
You can also hide your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we lose things simply because we're a little distracted. You might be running an errand and have your keys on the seat, or you might just need two free hands to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to all.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from thieves. This is important if you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or any other place in public.
Before you start make sure you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last saw your keys in your head. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is another good idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). It is a good idea should you have an extra car key to duplicate it in the event you lose it.
5. Call a Locksmith
It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are a few basic ways to aid.
Begin by retracing your steps and searching the places you think you might have abandoned them. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people have keys that are hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able to make you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Depending on your situation you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take several days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your car keys from time to time and it can make your day miserable. It could be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down for a moment to grab something, but lost the track of it.
Reporting a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will create a paper trail and will help keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. Full Posting stops you from getting fined.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you're insured prior to making claims.
You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid going through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You might be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat, or you might be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. The app will blink or ring when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they aren't in range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by always putting them in the same spot every time you arrive home. Whether it's in the bowl on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a Replacement Key
It's important to notify your insurance company right away if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. This way, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.
It might be more difficult for cars with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain a new key. Depending on the make and model of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere other than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.