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 endure. Things could get lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to get in a state of panic. Finding the key typically requires repeating your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among of the most frequently used items that are lost. If you're on the run and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to prepare for the day, and then drop your keys in a hurry, it can happen to anyone. There are some steps you can take before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll have to go back through all of your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last looked at your keys, or where you went afterward. what to do if lost car keys might be beneficial to record the steps you completed to be able to look them up later.
If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it may be time to look at more obvious places. Look in your bags and pockets, as well as the home. Remember, your keys could be somewhere close by They're just not in an obvious place. It could also be helpful to locate your keys near other items they are typically associated with, such as the laptop or purse.
If you've gone through all of these options and still can't find your keys, it could be time to call an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. Before calling a locksmith, try these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.
2. Find a spare key
It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from coat pockets and couch cushions, or all by themselves. Once upon a time it wasn't a big issue since it was simple to get an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in the field of key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to find a replacement for lost keys.
For this reason, it's recommended to keep a spare key on hand. You won't have to call a tow-truck and will be able to easily get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different spot than your usual keychain, so that it isn't as easily lost. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already own one. This will decrease the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle You can get a traditional key made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer needs to program your key to fit the vehicle you are driving.
A lot of modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car by using a remote control. If you lose your fob, the only way to get it back is to go to the locksmith or dealer to have them connect an alternative fob to your vehicle. Try to make it a habit of placing your keys in the same spot every when you return home. Whether it's in the entry table or the bowl on your front porch, or even a hook on the door, it can make it easier to remember where they are and how to find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a terrible feeling to lose your car keys. If you lost them in the rush to leave the house, or your young ones kept them on the couch to play hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.
Fortunately, panicking won't help you find your keys. It could cause more problems. Keep calm and use the steps below to find your keys as fast as you can.
Begin by reviewing your day and remembering where you had them last. If you recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've seen them anywhere else. You can also look over your car, but you will need to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior.
If you've tried everything else but still can't find your car keys, then it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also search in your fridge and freezer. You'll need to open and shut both appliances and feel inside to see if you can find small objects.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing keys. This helps you keep track of them, and also make them more difficult to find due to the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright shade so that they are visible against other items in your handbag or pockets.
4. Contact the police
The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately is important to ensure that you do not have to be concerned about someone else using your vehicle or getting into your home. Reporting your loss early will also help you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They'll be able to let you know if they've found your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They'll also provide advice on some preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found, they will likely be asking you for information regarding the time you lost them, and where you were before that.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't function electronically the first thing you should do is check your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry the keys. After you've done that, walk back through your day and try to recall where you lost the keys. It's possible you put them on a counter somewhere or went into your bag to get something, and keys dropped out.
This is only done by the dealer if have a transponder working electronically. This can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your car. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO and is available 24/7 on the GEICO mobile app. This service can help you save money and time by sending a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Call an expert locksmith
When you're running errands and put your keys to your car in the trunk for just a second and they'll disappear. This scenario happens often, considering that keys missing from cars are the third most lost item in America1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. You can, however, take steps to reduce the chances 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 assist you in finding your keys in the event they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects an indication from your lost key, making it much easier to find.
If you are unable to find your car keys, you should call a locksmith to come out and replace the keys. The locksmith can make a new key for you, provided that you have proof that you are the owner, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
The traditional keys are the most simple to replace. If you have an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online. However, make sure you check that the key is programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be stressful But it doesn't have to be. You can get your keys back by following the tips above. Just remember to keep calm and don't get stressed! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.