What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be one of the most difficult experiences you endure. Things could get lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.
The most important thing to remember is not to be in a panic. Retracing your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most common items that are lost. Whether you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car or you're trying to get ready for the day and drop keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. If you've lost keys to your car There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith help.
You'll have to go back through every step. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last saw your keys, and where you went afterwards. It may also help to record your steps so that you can look them up in the future.
If you've searched in obvious places and still can't locate your keys you may have to look in different places. Check your bags or pockets that you've been wearing throughout the day, and also your house. Remember that your keys could be somewhere close by but they're not in a convenient location. It may also be beneficial to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they're typically paired with, like a laptop or purse.
If you've tried all these options but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. Before you call a locksmith, try these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.
2. Get a Spare Key
It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats, couch cushions or even all by themselves. It used to be easy to replace keys that were lost at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it has become more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.
This is why it's best to keep a spare key on hand. You won't need to call a tow-truck and will be able to get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your keys. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than your usual keychain, so it's not as easily misplaced. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't already own one. you could try this out will lower the likelihood of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own You can get traditional keys made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is important to know that the dealer might need to program the key for your particular vehicle.
A lot of modern cars come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car using remote controls. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to get your car started again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and let them connect a new fob to your vehicle. Try to make it a routine to place your keys in the same spot every when you return home. If it's on the entry table or the bowl on your front porch or even a hook on the door, it will make it easier to remember where they are and how to find them in the future.
3. Empty your pockets
The loss of your car keys is an extremely painful experience. It can be a bit overwhelming and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking will not help you find your keys. In fact, it can cause more trouble. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last spot you visited them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to look through all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you took to see whether they were found else. You can also look over your car, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and interior.
If you've tried everything else and aren't able to locate your car keys then it's time to move on to more sophisticated searches. You can also search your fridge and freezer. You'll need to shut and open each of these appliances and check inside, since you never know where tiny items may have been hiding.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another great way to prevent losing keys. This will make it easier to locate keys because they're more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Call the police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting your keys missing from your car immediately is important so that you do not need to worry about someone else using your vehicle or entering your home. Besides, reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage since most policies cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
They will be able let you know if they've discovered your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. They will also give you some suggestions on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found they'll likely ask you for details about when you lost them, and where you were prior to that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry the key. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, go back to the beginning of time to recall the time you lost the keys. It's possible that you set them down on a counter, or went into your bag to grab something and the keys dropped out.
This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. This could cost a few hundreds of dollars, based 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 you money and time by delivering an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Contact a locksmith
When you're on the run and you put your car keys in the trunk for just a second, they can easily disappear. This scenario is common, as lost keys are the third-most misplaced item in the United States1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening all the time. However, you can take steps to reduce your chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea however, it isn't a ensure that you will not lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device will help you locate your keys in the event that they are lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone when it detects the signal of the key you lost and makes it easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call a locksmith who will come and replace them. If you have proof of ownership, like the registration or title of your vehicle, a locksmith can create keys for you.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, but if you have an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific car.
Losing your car keys can be stressful, but it does not have to be. You can retrieve your keys by following the above tips. Just remember to keep calm, and don't panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not the only one - everybody loses their car keys at some moment in time.