What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most frustrating experiences you can endure. In the chaos of school pick ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things can are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly will usually result in finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are one of the most common objects that get lost. It is a possibility for anyone, no matter if you're running an errand, distracted when you get out of your vehicle or even at home hurrying to get ready for work and dropping your keys. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith for assistance.
First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode However, it's essential to keep track of exactly where you last saw your keys and the places you went after that. It may also help to record your steps to be able 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 at more obvious places. Check your bags or pockets that you've been wearing throughout the day, and also your home. Keep in lost key to car no spare that your keys are probably located nearby, but not in a place you'd think of. You can also search for your keys by looking near other items that they are typically paired with, such as bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you've gone through all the options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it could be time to contact a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do, try some of these tips to prevent your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Get an extra key
It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets and couch cushions, or just by themselves. In the past this wasn't a huge issue since it was simple to get a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. With the advent 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 on hand. A spare key will prevent you from calling an tow truck and help you get your vehicle back losing your key a lot easier. It's best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain to ensure it's not as easy to lose. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider making one to decrease the chance of losing your keys.
You can usually have a traditional car key made at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on the car's model. However, it is important to remember that the dealer may have to program the key for your specific vehicle.
A majority of modern cars come equipped with keyless entry systems that lets you unlock the car using the remote control device. This is also known as 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 connect a new fob to your car. To prevent this from happening, establish a routine to put your keys in the same spot each time you return home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or 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. Whether you lost keys in the rush to get out of the house, or your little ones hid them in the couch for a game of hide-andseek the loss of your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and insecure.
Luckily, panicking won't help you locate your keys. In fact, it can cause more trouble. Be calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recalling the last spot you saw them. Check all your pockets and bags If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also go back through your steps to determine whether you've found them anywhere else. You can also look over your vehicle, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.
If you've checked everywhere else but are unable to locate your car keys It's time to begin more advanced searches. You can also search your fridge and freezer. You will have to shut and open both appliances and feel inside for small things.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard can be a excellent way to avoid losing them. 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 color.
4. Contact the police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to call the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them so that you don't have any issues with someone using your vehicle or entering your home. In addition, reporting your loss in the early stages also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage since most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
When you call the police, they'll be able to inform you whether your keys were discovered by people or been taken. They'll also give you advice on some preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't discovered, they'll likely ask you to give details of the time you lost them and what you were doing prior to that incident.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically The first thing to do is to check your pockets, bags, and wherever else you typically carry them. After that take a walk through your day and try to remember where you lost them. You might have dropped them on a table or in your bag when you reached for something.
If you own a transponder key that works electronically, it must be connected to your car and this can only be done at a dealership. This could cost a few hundred dollars, based on the car's model and brand. model. You can also call emergency roadside service from GEICO which is always accessible via the GEICO mobile app. This service will save you money and time by sending a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
When you're running errands and leave your car keys in the trunk for a moment and they'll be gone. This scenario is all too common, since keys are the most misplaced item among Americans1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening every day. However, you can make steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
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 assist you in finding your keys if they do become lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone whenever it detects a signal from your key that has been lost, making it much easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate your car keys you should contact locksmiths to come out and replace them. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, for example the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith will be able create keys for you.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, but If you own a smart key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make sure to check to see if the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific car.
Losing your car keys could be stressful however it doesn't have to be. You can get your keys back by following these tips. Remember to stay calm and do not panic! Be aware that you aren't all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.