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, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not panic. Retracing your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are among the most frequently misplaced items. It could happen to anyone, whether you're running an adventure, distracted while getting out of your car or at home rushing to get ready for work and dropping your keys. If you've lost your car keys There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith for assistance.
In the beginning, you'll need to retrace your steps. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic, but it's important to keep track of where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you went after that. You may find it helpful to write down the steps you took so that you can search them later.
If you have searched in the most obvious places but cannot find your keys, you may need to look in different places. Check any pockets or bags that you've been wearing during the day, and in your house. Keep in mind that your keys are probably located nearby, but not in the location you'd expect. It could also be helpful to locate your keys near other items they're typically paired with, like the laptop or purse.
If you've tried every option but are still unable to locate your keys, then it's time to contact an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. Before you call a locksmith, make sure you follow these suggestions to prevent your keys from disappearing again.
2. Get an extra key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. It was once simple to replace a lost key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the advent of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace keys lost.
It's best to always keep an extra car key on your side. You won't have to call a tow-truck, and can easily get your vehicle back if you lose your key. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain to ensure it isn't as easy to lose. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already own one. This will decrease the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car You can get a traditional key made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is crucial to remember that the dealer will need to program your key to fit your car.
Many modern cars come equipped with keyless entry systems that lets you unlock your car using a remote control device. If you lose your fob, your only option is to visit the dealer or locksmith to have them match an alternative fob to your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, establish a routine to put your keys in the same location every time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl or 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. lost car key can be a bit overwhelming and anxious if you've lost your car keys.
Luckily, panicking will not aid you in finding your keys. In fact, it may even make things worse. Be calm and use the steps below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recalling the last time 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 repeat your steps to see if you've come across them anywhere else. You can also look inside your car to determine whether they've been abandoned there, but you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances and look around the inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will make it easier to locate them since they're more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out using a bright colour.
4. Contact the police
It's evident that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is to call the police. It is crucial to report your lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't run into problems with someone using your vehicle or coming into your home. Besides, reporting your loss in the early stages can also benefit you with regard to insurance coverage as most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
When you call the police and ask them to inform you if your keys have been discovered by someone or have been stolen. They'll also offer some advice on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If they can't locate your keys they'll likely be asking you for information about the date you lost them, and where you were before that.
If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't function electronically the first thing you should do is to check your pockets, bags, and any other places you normally carry them. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry them, you should go back in time to try to remember when you lost keys. It's possible that you put them on a counter, or went into your bag to get something and keys were thrown out.
If you own a transponder key that works electronically, it'll need to be connected to your car, which can only be done by a dealership. It can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the brand and model of your car. You can also call GEICO for emergency roadside assistance, which is always available via the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by providing an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
5. Contact for a locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk while running errands, they could easily disappear. This is a scenario that happens often, considering that keys missing from cars are the 3rd most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to prevent this from occurring. But you can take steps to reduce your chances of losing them.
A spare key can aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain could aid in finding your keys if they do get lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone whenever it detects an indication from the key you lost which makes it much easier to find.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call locksmiths who will come and replace them. The locksmith can make a new key for you if you have proof that proves you are the owner, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, but If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealership to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but be sure to verify whether the key you buy can be programmed to the specific vehicle you own.
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful event, but it doesn't have to be. If you follow the suggestions listed above, you can recover your keys and get back on the road. Just remember to keep calm and don't get stressed! Keep in mind that you're not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.