What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. Things are often lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.
The most important thing to remember is not to be in a panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most important element.
1. Retract your Steps
It's not a fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. It is a possibility for anyone, no matter if you're running an errand, unable to concentrate when you get out of your car, or at home, rushing to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. There are a few things you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
First, you'll want to retrace your steps. This can be a challenge in a panic mode, but it's important to keep track of exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you visited after that. It may also help to note down your steps to be able to be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you've gone back to the same spot and still can't find your car keys, it could be time to look in more obvious locations. Check any pockets or bags that you've been carrying around during the day, and also your home. Keep in mind that your keys may be in the vicinity, but not in a place you'd think of. It could also be helpful to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they're usually associated with, such as a laptop or purse.
If you've gone through all of these options and are still unable to locate your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do, try these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Find a spare key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or just disappear completely. It used to be easy to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it's now more difficult to replace lost keys.
It's best to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key can save you from calling an tow truck and make getting your vehicle back losing your key a lot easier. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your normal keychain so that it isn't as easily misplaced. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't already have one. This will decrease the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own You can get a traditional key made by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to note that the dealer may need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles come equipped with a keyless entry system that lets you unlock the car using an electronic remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only solution to get your car running once more is to visit the locksmith or dealer and ask them to pair a new fob with your vehicle. Try to make it a habit of placing your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch, or on the table in the entryway.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. If you lost keys in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-andseek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel frantic and overwhelmed.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may even make it worse. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to solve your problem as quickly as you can.
Start by going back through your day and remembering the last time you used them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, make sure to check all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also retrace the steps you took to determine whether they were found in the world. You can also check your car, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.
If you've searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge to find your keys. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is a effective way to ensure you don't lose them. This will make it easier to find them because they are louder and longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright hue to make them are visible against other items in your bag or pocket.
4. Call the police
The first step following losing your keys is to contact the police. It is essential to report lost car keys as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't face problems with someone using your vehicle or entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss early can also benefit you with regard to insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and replacement keys at the dealership.
They'll tell you if they have discovered your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They will also give you some advice on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found, they will likely ask you for details about when you lost them, and where you were before that.
Check your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry them, look back to the beginning of time to remember when you lost keys. It's possible you put them on a counter or searched your bag to grab something and the keys were thrown out.
This can only be done by a dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. This can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the brand and model of your vehicle. You can also contact emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available via the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you money and time by delivering a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Call for a locksmith
If you place your keys in the trunk while doing errands, they can be easily lost. This is a scenario that happens all too often, as keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. linked website 's not possible to prevent this from happening all the time. However, you can take steps to lessen your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not guarantee that you won't lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device can help you locate your keys in the event they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys and makes it easier to find.
If you're unable to locate your car keys you should call an locksmith to come and replace them. The locksmith can create a new key on behalf of you, provided that you have proof that you are the owner, like your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, however If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealer to get one custom-made for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but be sure to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific car.
Losing your car keys could be stressful however it isn't necessary to be. By following the tips that are listed above, you will be able to recover your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm and don't be in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one - everybody loses their car keys at some moment in time.