What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. In the chaos of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often get misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to get in a state of panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly will usually result in finding the most important element.
1. Retract your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are among of the most frequently used objects that get lost. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, unable to concentrate while getting out of your vehicle or even at home rushing to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. If lost car key with no spare 've lost keys to your car There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith for help.
You'll have to go back through all your steps. It isn't easy to remember where you were when you last looked at your keys, and where you went afterward. It can also be helpful to note down your steps so that you can refer back to them in the future.
If you have searched in obvious places and still can't locate your keys you may need to look in other places. Make sure you look in the pockets or bags you've been wearing throughout the day, as well as your home. Be aware that your keys could be located nearby, but not in the location you'd expect. You can also locate your keys by looking near other items they're typically paired with, such as bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you have tried everything but are still unable to locate your keys, then it's time to contact an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. But before you call, consider some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Get a Spare Key
It's not unusual for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions just by themselves. It was once simple to replace a lost key at any hardware or locksmith store. However, with the advancements in key fob technology it's now much more difficult to get an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It is advisable to keep an extra car key on your side. 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 key. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different location than the usual keychain to ensure that it's not lost. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't already own one. This will lower the likelihood of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own, you can have a traditional key made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is crucial to remember that the dealer will need to program your key to fit your vehicle.
Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using remote controls. If you lose the fob, the only way to get it back is to visit the locksmith or dealer to help them connect the replacement fob with your vehicle. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same spot each time you arrive home. It could be in the entry table, the bowl on your front porch, or even a hook by the door, it will aid in remembering where they are and how they will be in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. You may feel helpless and panicked if you lose your car keys.
Doing something to solve your issue won't help and may even cause it to become worse. Be calm and use the steps listed below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by thinking about your day and recollecting the last place you saw them. Check all your bags and pockets in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also retrace your steps to see whether you've found them anywhere else. Also, you can check your car to see whether they've been abandoned there however you'll have to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've checked everywhere else and aren't able to find your lost car keys It's time to begin more sophisticated searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances and look around the inside, as you never know where tiny items may have been hiding.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a long lanyard or chain. This will make it easier to find them since they're more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright colour.
4. Call the police
It is obvious that the first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to call the police. Reporting the keys missing from your car immediately is important to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone else using your vehicle or even entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss at an early stage also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage as most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
They will be able inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they've been stolen when you contact them. They'll also offer some advice on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found, they will likely ask you for details about when you lost them, and the location you were in 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 where you typically carry them, you should go back in time to try to recall the time you lost them. You might have dropped them on a table or your bag while reaching for something.
This can only be done by the dealer if have a transponder that functions electronically. This can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, based on the brand and model of your car. You can also call 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. Contact a Locksmith
If you place your keys in the trunk when making errands, they could be easily lost. This scenario is all too common, since keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent this from occurring. But you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
Having a spare key can aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain could help you find your keys in the event that they become lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone when it detects a signal from the key you lost and makes it easier to find.
If you can't locate your car keys, call a locksmith who will come and replace the keys. If you are able to provide proof of ownership, like the registration or title of your vehicle the locksmith will be able create a key for you.
The classic keys are most straightforward to replace. If you own a remote key fob, or smart key, you will have to contact your dealer to have one made. You can also buy replacement keys online. But make sure you verify that the key is programmed for your particular vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be stressful But it doesn't have to be. If you follow the suggestions that are listed above, you will be able to retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Remember to stay calm and not be in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some time or another.