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Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how organized you are, there's an occasion when you'll lose your car keys. When this happens it is crucial to be aware of what to do.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or a dealership, based on the vehicle. They can design a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause an anxiety-filled day and can even result in unpleasant phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are a meticulously organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they appear exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a more gloomy turn. It is essential to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Keep in mind that many things are not lost forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to search with you, as another set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them inside of bags, pockets and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.

It may appear obvious to check your bags and pockets for your missing car keys, but it's important to do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Check every zippered area. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycle bin in the event that keys got lost in your bag and were crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your steps and look in places where you know it isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've worked hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and on your favorite TV show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure to thoroughly check those places.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you do this make sure you can access the gas cap from outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.

You can also hide your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly, as you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.

4. Call the Police

Sometimes, we forget things simply because we're a bit distracted. You may be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might require two hands to grab a bag full of food items. It happens to all of us.

When you lose something, it's important to call the police right immediately. You can then submit a police report in order to protect your vehicle from theft. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Make sure you retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene from the last time you glimpsed your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and prevent other people from using it (which could result in additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it's a good idea to make copies of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a hurry. There are, however, several things you can do to help.

Start by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching in the places in which you think they could be. If you're still struggling to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take taking a look.

Lastly, call an locksmith to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They may be able make you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation you may have to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major impact on your day. It could be that you were running a quick run and forgot to put keys on the floor or maybe you put your key down for a moment to grab something and lost track of it.

It's important to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will leave a trail on paper and can keep people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also ensure that you don't get punished.

If you've reported your keys as lost key to car no spare to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing an claim.

Consider keeping an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will prevent you from having to go through the hassle of a car key replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You could be out on an errand and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long workday and not remember where you placed keys.

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your smartphone. Once you open the app it will sound or flash to help find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in finding them if your keys are not in reach.

Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same spot each time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you place them in a bowl on the entry table or an iron by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to inform your insurance company right away. This way you'll be able to rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which does not have a chip) you can purchase an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You will likely have visit the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Based on the make and model of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office particularly in the areas that you tend to drop things.