What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be one of the most stressful experiences you have. In car key lost no spare of school pick ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things often are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. Finding the key usually involves going back to your steps.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to get ready for the day and drop keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
First, you'll want to retrace your steps. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic However, it's essential to keep track of where you last saw your keys and the places that you went after that. It can also be helpful to note down your steps, to be able to refer back to them later on.
If you've tried retracing your steps and are still unable to locate your car keys, it could be time to start looking in more obvious places. Examine your purses and pockets and the home. Remember, your keys will likely be somewhere close by - they're just not in a visible spot. You can also find your keys by examining other items they are usually paired with like the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've gone through all the options and are still unable to locate your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do, try some of these tips to prevent your keys from disappearing in the near future:
2. Get a spare key
It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets, couch cushions or even simply by themselves. At one time, this was no big deal since it was easy to find a new key at any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in technology for key fobs it's now much more difficult to obtain an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It's best to always keep an extra car key on the go. You won't need 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 place than your normal keychain so it's not as easily misplaced. Consider getting a spare made in case you don't have one. This will decrease the likelihood of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car, you can have traditional keys made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is crucial to remember that the dealer needs to program your key to match your vehicle.
Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car with remote controls. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob the only solution to get your car running from scratch is to go to the locksmith or dealer and let them pair a new fob with your car. Try to make it a habit of placing your keys in the exact same spot every time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch, or on the table in the entryway.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. You might feel helpless and panicked if you lose your car keys.
Fortunately, panicking won't help you locate your keys. It could cause more problems. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to fix your issue as fast as you can.
Start by going back through your day and recalling where you had them last. If you remember that they were in your pocket, make sure to search all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also retrace the steps you took to see if they were found anywhere else. You could also examine your car, but you will have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.
If you've tried everything else but still can't find your car keys, it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll have to open and shut both of these appliances, and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another great way to prevent losing keys. This makes it easier to find them because they are more noticeable and longer. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright color to make them are visible against other items in your handbag or pocket.
4. Call the Police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to contact the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon you lose them to ensure you don't run into problems with someone using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. In addition, reporting your loss at an early stage will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys at the dealership.
They will be able let you know if they've found your keys or if they have been stolen when you call them. They'll also offer some suggestions on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys haven't been discovered, they'll likely ask you to provide details of when you lost them and what you were doing before the incident occurred.
If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't function electronically The first thing to do is check your bags, pockets and any other places you normally carry the keys. After that then go back through your day and try to remember where you lost keys. It's possible that you set them down on a counter, or went into your bag to get something, and the keys were thrown out.
This can only be performed by a dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. This can cost several hundreds of dollars, based on the brand and model. You can also call emergency roadside service from GEICO, always available through the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you money and time by delivering the locksmith via mobile to you.
5. Contact a Locksmith
If you put your keys in the trunk when making errands, they could quickly disappear. This scenario happens often, since keys missing from cars are the third most lost item in America1. You can't prevent this from happening every day. You can, however, take steps to reduce your chances of losing them.
The use of a spare key may help, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal of your lost keys which makes it easier to find.
If you can't locate the keys to your car, contact a locksmith who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able to create a new key for you as long as you have proof that proves you are the owner of the vehicle, like your vehicle's title or registration.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace. If you have an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will have to contact your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also purchase replacement keys online. But, ensure you verify that the key can be programmed to your particular vehicle.
Losing your car keys could be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. If you follow the steps that are listed above, you will be able to find your keys and be back on the road. Just remember to keep calm and don't get stressed! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some point.