What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. In the chaos of school pick ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things sometimes get lost.
Be sure not to panic. Finding the key typically requires repeating your steps.
- Retract car keys lost no spare 's not a secret that keys are among of the most common items to misplace. If you're on the run and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day and forget your keys in a hurry, it can happen to anyone. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
In the beginning, you'll need to go back and trace your steps. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic however, it's crucial to keep track of where you last saw your keys and the places that you went following that. You may find it useful to write down the steps you did so that you can look them up later.
If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it might be time to look in more obvious places. Examine your purses and pockets and also the house. Keep in mind that your keys may be located nearby, but not in a place you'd expect. It can also be helpful to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they are typically connected to, such as the laptop or purse.
If you've tried all of these options but you're still not able to locate your keys, it may be time to call an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you do, try some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future.
- Find a spare key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear into pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. At one time, this was no big deal since it was easy to find an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. However, due to advancements in key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to obtain the replacement keys for keys lost.
It is recommended to always have a spare car key on your side. You won't need to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily get your vehicle back if you lose your key. It is best to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain to ensure it isn't as easy to lose. If you don't have an extra key, think about making one to decrease the possibility of losing your keys.
It is common to have a traditional car key created by a locksmith, or at an auto dealer, based on the car's model. It is important to note that the dealer may have to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles are equipped with a keyless entry system which allows you to unlock the car using an electronic remote control. If you lose your fob, your only option is to go to the locksmith or dealer to have them pair an alternative fob to your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, establish a routine to place your keys in the same spot every time you get home. You can place your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or on the table in the entryway.
- Empty Your Pockets
Losing your car keys is an extremely painful experience. If you dropped them in the rush to get out of the house, or your little ones hid them under the couch for a game of hide-and-seek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel anxious and helpless.
Luckily, panicking will not aid you in finding your keys. It may even make things worse. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to find your keys as fast as you can.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recalling the last place you visited them. Examine all of your bags and pockets in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also go through the steps you took to determine whether they were found else. Also, you can examine your vehicle to determine if they've been left there, but you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the car.
If you've tried everything and can't locate your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. You can also search your freezer and fridge. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances, and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny items may have been hiding.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing them. This will allow you to keep track of them, as well as making them more difficult to misplace due to the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright hue so that they are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.
- Call the police
The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. It is crucial to report your lost keys to your car as soon you lose them to ensure you don't run into any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or entering your home. Reporting your loss early will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They'll be able to inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They will also give you some advice on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely ask you to provide details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing before the incident occurred.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. Once you've done this take a walk through your day and try to recall where you lost them. You might have dropped them on a table or your bag after reaching for something.
If you have a transponder key that operates electronically, it will need to be connected to your car, which can only be done at the dealership. This can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the brand and model. You can also call GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies, which is always available via the GEICO app. This service can save your time and money by providing an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
- Call an expert locksmith
When you're running errands and leave your car keys in your trunk for just a second and they'll disappear. This scenario is all too frequent, considering that keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. But you can make steps to lessen your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not ensure that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain will aid in finding your keys in the event that they become lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone when it detects the signal of the key you lost which makes it much easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will visit and replace them. If you can provide proof of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle the locksmith will be able to create keys for you.
The classic keys are most simple to replace. If you have a remote key fob or smart key, you'll have to contact your dealer to get one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online. But, ensure you check if the key is programmed for your particular vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful experience however it does not have to be. If you follow the steps listed above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Be sure to remain calm and don't get stressed! Be aware that you aren't all on your own. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.
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