What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things sometimes get misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not be in a panic. Finding the key usually involves going back to your steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It's no secret that keys are the most commonly misplaced items. It is a possibility for anyone, no matter if you're running an errand, unable to concentrate when you get out of your vehicle, or at home, hurrying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
The first step is to retrace your steps. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last looked at your keys, or where you went afterward. It might also be helpful to write down your steps, to be able to be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you've gone back to the same spot and are still unable to locate your car keys, it might be time to look in more obvious locations. Examine your purses and pockets, as well as the home. Be aware that your keys could be in the vicinity, but not in a place you'd think of. It could also be helpful to locate your keys near other items they're usually associated with, such as the laptop or purse.
If you've tried every option but still cannot find your keys, then it's time to contact an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. Before calling lost keys for my car , you can try these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.
2. Get a spare key
It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions all by themselves. Once upon a time, this was no big problem since it was easy to obtain a new key at any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology it's now more difficult to replace lost keys.
For this reason, it's best to keep a spare key in your car. You won't have to call a tow-truck and will be able to get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain so that it's not as easy to lose. If you don't have a spare key, consider getting one made to reduce the chances of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you can have traditional keys made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is important to remember that the dealer needs to program your key to fit your vehicle.
A lot of modern cars come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car using a remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only solution to get your car started once more is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and let them pair a new fob with your car. Make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot every when you return home. You can put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch, or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty Your Pockets
Losing your car keys is an extremely painful experience. It doesn't matter if you lost keys in the rush to get out of the house or your little ones hid them under the couch to play hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.
Luckily, panicking won't aid you in finding your keys. It could cause more problems. Keep calm and use the steps listed below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.
Begin by reviewing your day and remembering where you last saw them. Check all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat the steps you took to determine whether they were found in the world. You can also check your car to see whether they've been abandoned there however you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of your vehicle.
If you've looked everywhere else and aren't able to locate your car keys It's time to begin more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the fridge and freezer for your keys. You'll have to shut and open the appliances and then feel inside to see if you can find small items.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another effective way to ensure you don't lose them. This makes it easier to locate them because they are more noticeable and are longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright color to make them stand out against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the Police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. Notifying the police of your keys missing from your car immediately is crucial to ensure that you do not need to worry about someone using your vehicle or even entering your home. Notifying your loss in time can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, since most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They'll be able to tell you if they have discovered your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. They'll also give you some suggestions on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll likely ask you for details about when you lost them, and where you were before that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've done that, walk back through your day and try to remember the place you lost keys. It's possible you put them on a counter somewhere or went into your bag to find something and the keys were thrown out.
This can only be done by the dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. This can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the brand and model of your vehicle. You can also call emergency roadside service from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service could save you time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you're out running errands and you put your car keys in the trunk for a moment, they can easily disappear. This is all too common, since keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from occurring. You can, however, make steps to decrease the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, however, it isn't a ensure that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you find your keys if they do get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your keys that have been lost and makes it easier to locate.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace them. If you have evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle, a locksmith will be able create a key for you.
The classic keys are most simple to replace. If you have a remote key fob or smart key, you will need to contact your dealer to have one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make certain 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. If you follow the steps given above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Remember to stay calm and don't panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone Everyone loses their car keys at some time or another.