What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. Things could get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery visits, and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not be in a panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are among the most frequently misplaced objects. It is a possibility for anyone, whether you're on an adventure, distracted while getting out of your car or at home rushing 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.
You'll have to go back through all your steps. This can be difficult in a state of panic However, it's essential to keep track of exactly where you last seen your keys and the places that you went after that. It might also be helpful to write down your steps, to be able to look them up later on.
If you've gone back to the same spot and still haven't found your car keys, it may be time to start looking in more obvious locations. Be sure to check any pockets or bags that you've worn throughout the day, and also your home. Be aware that your keys are probably in the vicinity, but not in the location you'd expect. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items they're typically paired with, such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried every option but are still unable to locate your keys, then it's time for an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. Before you call a locksmith, you can try these suggestions to stop your keys from being lost again.
2. Get a Spare Key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or disappear completely. It used to be easy to replace keys lost at any locksmith or hardware store. But with advances in the field of key fob technology it's now much more difficult to obtain an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It is advisable to keep an extra car key on hand. You won't have to call a tow truck and will be able to easily get your vehicle back if you lose your keys. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than your usual keychain, so it's not as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider getting one made to reduce the chances of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle You can get a traditional key created by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer will need to program the key to fit your vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles have an entry system which allows you to unlock the car using the remote control device. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only way to get your car running from scratch is to go to the locksmith or dealer and have them pair a new fob with your car. To avoid this from happening, establish a routine to put your keys in the same spot every time you get home. You can put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch, or in the entry table.
3. Empty your pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. You might feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Fortunately, panicking won't help you locate your keys. In fact, it may even make things worse. Try to remain calm and use the steps below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.
Start by thinking back to your day and remembering the last place you were when you last saw them. Check all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also go through the steps you took to determine whether they were found in the world. Also, you can examine your vehicle to determine whether they've been abandoned there, but you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the car.
If you've searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also look in your freezer and fridge. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where small objects might be hiding.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard can be a excellent way to avoid losing them. This will help you keep track of them, as well as making them harder to lose due to the sound they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright hue so that they are visible against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to call the police. Notifying the police of your lost keys to the police immediately is essential to ensure that you don't have to worry about someone else using your vehicle, or even getting into your home. Reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from the dealership.
They will be able tell you if they have discovered your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. lost a car key how to replace 'll also provide advice on the steps you can take. If your keys haven't been discovered, they'll likely ask you to give details of when you lost them and what you were doing prior that happened.
Check your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry the key. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, look back to the beginning of time to recall the time you lost the keys. It's possible you put them on a counter or searched your bag to get something, and keys dropped out.
This is only done by the dealer if have a transponder working electronically. It could cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO and is available 24/7 via the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by sending a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you place your keys in your trunk while making errands, they could easily disappear. This scenario happens often, since keys to cars that are lost are the third most misplaced item in America1. Unfortunately, you cannot always stop this from happening. However, you can make steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, however, it isn't a ensure that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal of the key you lost which makes it much easier to locate.
If you are unable to find your car keys, you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace them. The locksmith can make a new key for you, provided that you have proof that proves you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, but if you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealership to get one custom-made for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but be certain to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed to the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys could be stressful however it does not have to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Be calm and don't be in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one Every car owner loses keys at some point.