What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be one of the most frustrating experiences you can have. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things often get lost.
Remember to not panic. Finding the key is usually repeating your steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. If you're on the run and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to get ready for the day and forget your keys in a rush it could happen to anyone. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll need to repeat all your steps. replacement lost car keys can be difficult when you're in a panic however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places that you went following that. It may also help to note down your steps to be able to look them up later on.
If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it could be time to start looking at more obvious places. Check your pockets and bags and also the home. Remember that your keys could be somewhere close by They're just not in a convenient location. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items they are usually associated with such as bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you've gone through all of these options but still can't find your keys, it could be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you call, consider these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Get a spare key
It's not unusual for car keys to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions just by themselves. Once upon a time it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to find an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in key fob technology it's now much more difficult to get an alternative for keys that have been lost.
This is why it's recommended to keep a spare key handy. A spare key can save you from having to call an tow truck and aid in getting your vehicle back losing your key much simpler. 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, you should consider having one made to minimize the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle You can get traditional keys made by a locksmith or dealership. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer needs to program your key to fit your vehicle.
Many modern cars come equipped with a keyless entry system that lets you unlock the car using the remote control device. If you lose the fob your only option is to visit a locksmith or dealer to help them pair an alternative fob to your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, establish a routine to keep your keys in the same place every time you get home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on 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. If you lost them in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can make you feel anxious and helpless.
Luckily, panicking won't aid you in finding your keys. In fact, it could cause more problems. Keep calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recollecting the last place you visited them. Go through all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat the steps you followed to see if they were found anywhere else. Finally, you can always look inside your car to determine whether they've been abandoned there, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes looking in the freezer and fridge to find your keys. You'll need to shut and open each of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is a great way to prevent losing them. This makes it easier to find them because they are more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out applying a bright hue.
4. Call the police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. It's important to report your lost keys to your car as soon you lose them so that you don't have any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or entering your home. Besides, reporting your loss in the early stages will also help you with regard to insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and replacement keys at the dealership.
When you call the police, they'll be able to inform you if your keys have been found by people or have been taken. They'll also give you advice on the steps you can take. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely ask you to provide information about when you lost them and what you were doing before that happened.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically The first thing to do is to look in your bags, pockets, and anywhere else you normally carry the keys. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, you should go back to the beginning of time to remember when you lost the keys. It's possible that you set them down on a counter or went into your bag to grab something, and the keys were thrown out.
This can only be done by the dealer if have a transponder working electronically. It can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, based on the brand and model of your car. You can also ring up emergency roadside service from GEICO and is available 24/7 on the GEICO mobile app. This service will help you save money and time by delivering a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Call an expert locksmith
If you place your keys in the trunk when doing errands, they can easily disappear. This scenario plays out all too often, as keys missing from cars are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from happening. But you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
A spare key can help, but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will help you locate your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal of your key that has been lost and makes it easier to find.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should contact locksmiths to come out and replace the keys. If you have proof of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle A locksmith will be able to create a key for you.
The classic keys are easiest to replace. If you own an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also buy replacement keys on the internet. But, ensure you check if the key can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful experience However, it isn't necessary to be. If you follow the suggestions listed above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Remember to stay calm and don't panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one Every car owner loses keys at some time or another.