Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
G28 Car Keys how organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.
Depending on the vehicle you have the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.
- Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, cause lots of stress and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, in reality, things tend to take a darker direction. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.
It is important to remember that most things aren't lost forever, and they are often found in odd places. So, before taking extreme measures it's a good idea to retrace your steps and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.
- Check the Inside
If you've not found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in common places like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or used recently. If you've lost them at a store, ask others who are customers or employees to see if they have noticed anything out of the ordinary.
It may seem obvious to look in your pockets and bags for your missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Examine the zippered areas. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You can also retrace your steps and look in places where the item isn't, like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items are lost when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.
- Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and are eager to go back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize the keys to your car have disappeared.
While you're going through your steps be sure to check out areas that are cluttered like desks and tabletops as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You may also leave your keys in a crowded area, such as in the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you are able to access the gas cap from outside your car because thieves could easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys under the car.
You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you shut the door.
- Call the police
It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You might be running an easy errand and you have left your keys in the car seat. Or maybe you need two hands to carry a bag of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to all.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is essential in the event that you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you saw them. Asking your friends and family if they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help to ensure your car's security and stop other people from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it's recommended to create a copy of it in the event that this occurs again.
- Contact a locksmith
People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few easy things you can try to help.
Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut you a key or change the locks if required. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on your situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take several days.
- Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a massive damper on your day. It might be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the seat, or perhaps you put your keys down for a moment to grab something, but lost track of it.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is vital. This will leave a trail on paper and can to stop other people from using your vehicle without permission. This also helps you avoid getting punished.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to speak with your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing a claim.
Consider buying an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will prevent you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.
- Get a Bluetooth key tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be running a quick errand and do not remember to put them on the seat or you might be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
There are fortunately ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet and can be connected to an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other people to assist you in locating the keys if they are not in range.
Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same place every time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in an table or hang them on a hook by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
- Get a New Key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be sure that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and cheapest solution.
It could be more difficult for vehicles equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Depending on the make and model of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home especially in areas where you tend to lose things.
G28 Car Keys