What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most stressful experiences you experience. Things are often lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not be in a panic. Retracing your steps and searching thoroughly will usually result in finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among of the most frequently used items that are lost. If you're on the run and are distracted when you're getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day and forget keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith for help.
The first step is to go back and trace your steps. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last saw your keys, and where you went afterward. It may also help to record your steps, to be able to be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you've searched in obvious locations but aren't able to locate your keys, you might need to look elsewhere. Check your pockets and bags, as well as the house. Remember, your keys will likely be close by - they're just not in a convenient location. You can also locate your keys by looking around other items they're typically paired with, such as bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you've tried all of these options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you call, consider these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:
2. Get lost key car is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets or couch cushions all by themselves. At one time it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to find an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in key fob technology it's now much more difficult to get the replacement keys for keys lost.
For this reason, it's ideal to keep a spare key on hand. You won't need to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily return your vehicle if you lose your keys. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider having one made to minimize the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle, you can have a traditional key created by a locksmith or dealership. It is important to note that the dealer might need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
Many modern cars have keyless entry systems which allows you to unlock your car using a remote control device. If you lose the fob, your only option is to visit the locksmith or dealer to have them pair an alternative fob to your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, try to make it a habit to put your keys in the same location each time you return home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch, or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty your pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. It doesn't matter if you lost keys in the rush to get out of the house or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-andseek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may even make it worse. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by reviewing your day and recalling where you last saw them. Go through 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 seen them elsewhere. You can also examine your vehicle to determine whether they've been discarded, but you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've looked everywhere and still can't locate your car keys that you lost then it's time to start more sophisticated searches. You can also search in your freezer and fridge. You will need to open and shut the appliances and then feel inside as you may find small objects.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This makes it easier to locate them because they are more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.
4. Call the Police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. Notifying the police of your lost car keys immediately is crucial so that you do not have to worry about someone using your car or even entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss at an early stage will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith costs and replacement keys at the dealership.
When you call the police and ask them to inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been taken. They'll also give you advice on the steps you can take. If the keys aren't found they'll probably be asking you for information regarding the time you lost them and where you were before that.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you normally carry the key. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places you normally carry them, you should go back to the beginning of time to remember when you lost them. You might have tossed them on a table or in your bag while reaching for something.
This can only be done by the dealer if have a transponder that functions electronically. This can cost several hundreds of dollars, based on your car's brand and model. You can also call emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available on the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by delivering a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Contact an expert locksmith
When you're on the run and put your keys to your car in the trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This scenario is all too common, since keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. You can't prevent this from happening every day. You can, however, take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will help you locate your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal from your lost keys, making it easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call a locksmith who will come and replace them. If you have evidence of ownership, like the title or registration of your vehicle A locksmith can create a key 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 dealership to get one custom-made specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys online. But make sure you check if the key is programmed for your particular vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be stressful But it doesn't have to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Be calm and do not be in a panic! Keep in mind that you're not all on your own. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.