What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most frustrating experiences you can experience. In the chaos of school pick ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things can are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not be in a 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 no fact that keys are among the most frequently lost items. Whether you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your car or you're trying to get ready for the day, and then drop your keys in a rush, it can happen to anyone. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll need to retrace every step. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last looked at your keys, and where you went afterward. It might be beneficial to record the steps you took so that you can search them later.
If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it may be time to start looking in more obvious locations. Check the pockets or bags you've worn during the day, and also your home. Remember, your keys are likely to be close by but they're not in a convenient location. You can also locate your keys by looking near other items that they are usually associated with such as the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried all these options but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time for a 24-hour emergency locksmith. Before calling a locksmith, make sure you follow these suggestions to prevent your keys from disappearing again.
2. Find a spare key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. At one time, this was no big issue since it was simple to get a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. With the introduction of key fob technology, it's now more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.
For this reason, it's recommended to keep a spare key in your car. You will not have to call a tow truck and can easily get your vehicle back if you lose your keys. It is best to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain so that it's less likely to lose. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider getting one made to reduce the chance of losing your keys.
You can usually have a traditional car key made by a locksmith, or at a dealership, based on the model of your car. However, it is important to note that the dealer may have to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
Many modern vehicles come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using a remote control. If you lose the fob your only option is to go to the locksmith or dealer to have them pair a replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit of placing your keys in the same spot every time you arrive home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. You may feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking will not help you find your keys. In fact, it may even make things worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to solve your problem as quickly as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last place you were when 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 see if they were found anywhere other than your pocket. You can also check your car, but you will need to thoroughly search both the exterior and interior.
If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll need to open and shut the appliances and then feel inside to see if you can find small items.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will allow you to keep track of them, as well as making them more difficult to find due to the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. You can also make your keys stand out using a bright colour.
4. Call the police
It is obvious that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is to call the police. It's important to report your lost car keys as soon as you lose them so that you don't run into any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. Reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, as most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They'll inform you if they've found your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They'll also offer some suggestions on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely ask you to give details of when you lost them and what you were doing before the incident occurred.
Check your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. Once you've done this, walk back through your day and try to recall where you lost the keys. You may have dropped them on a table, or in your bag while reaching for something.
This can only be performed by the dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. This can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the car's model and brand. model. You can also ring up emergency roadside service from GEICO which is always accessible via the GEICO mobile app. This service could save you time and money by providing an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
5. Contact for a locksmith
If you're out running errands and put your keys to your car in the trunk for a moment, they can easily disappear. This is a scenario that plays out often, considering that lost car keys are the third most misplaced item in America1. It's impossible to stop this from happening all the time. However, you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.
The use of a spare key may help, but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain will help you find your keys should they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost key s, making it easier to locate.
If you can't locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will come and replace the keys. If you have proof of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle the locksmith will be able to create a key for you.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, however if you have an electronic key or a remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealer to have one made for you. You can also buy replacement keys online. But make sure you check if the key is programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful however it isn't necessary to be. If you follow the steps listed above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Keep calm and don't get stressed! Remember that you are not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.