20 Myths About Lost My Car Keys: Debunked

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Whatever way you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.

Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are an organized person or not losing your keys could occur to anyone.

The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). In reality it is possible for the situation to be much more serious. When you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. In order to do this, it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them in bags, pockets and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost them in the store, ask other customers or workers to see if they noticed something unusual.

It might appear obvious to check your own pockets and bags for the missing car keys however, it's crucial to do so thoroughly. Clean out all pockets you have on you such as those in jackets and purses and be sure to check every zippered space. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in the event that keys fell out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

It might be beneficial to go through your steps again and look for places you know they aren't, such as the fridge or freezer. Sometimes, items are lost when we reach for them but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and are eager to go back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. You can also put your keys in a congested area, such as in the door handle or refrigerator.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you choose to hide your keys under the car be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be  g28carkeys  not to place them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You might be on the run for a few minutes and put your keys in the seat, or you might need two free hands to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to all.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside of your home, at the store, or anywhere else in public.

Before you start, be sure to follow your steps. Recreate the scene you saw when you last looked at your keys in your head. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is another great idea. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new ignition locks and door locks). If you have a spare key it's a good idea to make copies of it in case this occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are some ways you can help.

Retrace the steps you took and searching for the areas you believe they may have been left. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth taking a look.

Finally, contact an locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your lost keys. They may be able make you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a new key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

You might lose your keys to your car at times and it could ruin your day. It could be because you were running a quick errand and accidentally left them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down to grab something and lost the track of it.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is crucial. This will leave a trail on paper and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. But, it's advisable to talk to your agent to make sure you're covered before you file a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid having to deal with the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least would. You might be running a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or might be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to avoid this from happening again. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to assist you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to help you locate them if your keys are out of range.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always put them in the same place every time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you put them in a bowl on the table or hang them on an iron by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which doesn't have a chip) you can simply get an alternative from any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more difficult. You'll likely need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Depending on the make and model of your car, this could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home, especially the place where you are likely to lose things.