What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. In the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things sometimes get lost.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not get in a state of panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among of the most common objects that get lost. Whether you're running an errand and get 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 your car keys There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith for help.
You'll need to retrace every step. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last looked at your keys, or where you went afterward. It may also help to record your steps, to be able to look them up in the future.
If you have searched in obvious places and still cannot find your keys, you may have to look in other places. Look in your bags and pockets and the home. Remember that your keys could be located nearby, but not in the place you'd think of. It could also be helpful to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they are typically connected to, such as laptops or purses.
If you have tried everything but still cannot find your keys, then it's time to call for an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. But before you call, consider some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:
2. Get an extra key
It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions just by themselves. It was once simple to replace keys lost at any locksmith or hardware store. But with advances in key fob technology, it's become much more difficult to get a replacement for lost keys.
It is recommended to always have an extra car key in the go. You won't need to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily get your vehicle back if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain so that it's not as easy to lose. If you don't have a spare key, consider getting one made to reduce the possibility of losing your keys.
You can usually have a traditional car key made at a locksmith or at an auto dealer, based on your vehicle's model. However, it is important to know that the dealer may have to program the key for your specific vehicle.
Many modern vehicles come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using a remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only way to get your car running from scratch is to go to the dealer or a locksmith and let them pair a new fob with your vehicle. Make it a routine to place your keys in the exact same spot every when you return 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. You might feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys.
Luckily, panicking won't help you locate your keys. It may even make things worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to fix your issue as quickly as you can.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recalling the last time you visited them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat your steps to determine if you've come across them in any other places. You could also examine your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and interior.
If you have searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also look in your fridge and freezer. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances and look around the inside, as you never know where small objects might be hiding.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will help you 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. You can also make your keys stand out applying a bright hue.
4. Contact the police
It's evident that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is call the police. Reporting your keys missing from your car immediately is essential to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone using your vehicle or even getting into your home. The early reporting of your loss will also help you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.
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 advice on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found, they will likely be asking you for information about the date you lost them and the location you were in prior to that.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry the key. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry them, you should go back in time to recall the time you lost them. It's possible that you put them down on a counter, or searched your bag to grab something, and keys were thrown out.
If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it'll need to be paired with the car, which can only be done at the dealership. It can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also call emergency roadside service from GEICO, always available through the GEICO mobile app. This service will save your time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you put your keys in the trunk when running errands, they could quickly disappear. Read the Full Document is all too common, as lost keys are the third-most misplaced item in the United States1. It's impossible to stop this from happening every day. But you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea but it does not guarantee that you won't lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain will help you find your keys if they do become lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal of your lost keys which makes it easier to find.
If you can't locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will visit and replace the keys. If you have proof of ownership, for example the registration or title of your vehicle A locksmith will be able create keys for you.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, however if you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to have one made specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys on the internet. But, ensure you check that the key can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience however it doesn't have to be. By following the tips given above, you can recover your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm, and don't panic! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.