Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this situation.

Depending on your vehicle the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These experts can design an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not, losing your keys can occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However, in reality, things can take a more dire direction. If you lose your keys, it is essential to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It's important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing for ever, and are often found in unusual locations. Before taking drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.

1. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you've lost them in the store, talk to employees or customers to see if they have noticed something unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem obvious but it is important to be thorough. Empty all of the pockets you carry, including purses and jackets and check every zippered space. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bin in case your keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something other.

You could also retrace your steps and look in places you know the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. Many things are lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

1. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.

Check pockets and desks that are overly packed. You can also put your keys in a crowded space, like the door handle or refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you decide to do this make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.

You could also consider hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally smash them when you close the car door.

1. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little bit distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you've forgotten your keys in the car seat. Or perhaps you need two hands to pick up an empty bag of food items. It happens to everyone.

If you have lost something, it is important to notify the police right away. This way, you can file a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is important if you have lost your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.

Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the time you last saw your keys in your head. It's also recommended to inquire of others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could lead to costs like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea should you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in case you lose it again.

1. Contact a locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are, however, several ways you can assist.

Start by retracing the steps you took and searching in the places where you think they might be. If you're still unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Call a locksmith and ask if they can find your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, make sure to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.

1. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a massive downer on your day. You might have been running an errand that was quick and misplaced your keys on the seat, or you may have sat down to grab something for a moment and lost track.

Reporting a lost or stolen key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will result in a paper record and will stop other people from using your car without your permission. It also prevents you from getting punished.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It's best to contact your agent and confirm that you are covered prior to filing a claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many other options available. This will help you avoid having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.

1. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least think about it. lost my car key and have no spare might be running a quick errand and forget to put them down on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow others to help you locate them if your keys aren't in range.

You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same spot each time you get home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on a hook by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

1. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company immediately if you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. That way, you can rest assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you already have a standard (non-chip) key, you can easily get an additional one from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and cheapest option.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a bit more difficult. It is likely that you will need to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Depending on the model and make of your car it could cost upwards of $200.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home, especially the place that you tend to drop things.
lost my car key and have no spare