What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be one of the most difficult experiences you have. In the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things sometimes get misplaced.
Be sure not to panic. Finding the key usually involves retracing your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among of the most popular items that are lost. Whether you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to get ready for the day and drop your keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. There are a few things you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll need to repeat all your steps. This can be a challenge in a state of panic However, it's essential to keep track of where you last seen your keys and the places that you went following that. It may also help to write down your steps, to be able to refer back to them later on.
If you've searched in obvious locations but aren't able to locate your keys, you may have to look in other places. Make sure you look in any pockets or bags that you've been carrying around throughout the day, as well as your home. Remember, your keys will likely be close by but they're not in a convenient location. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items they are usually associated with such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If lost a car key how to replace have tried all these options but still cannot find your keys, then it's time to call for an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. But before you do, try some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the near future:
2. Find a spare key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. It was once easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. But with advances in the field of key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to get the replacement keys for keys lost.
This is why it's ideal to keep a spare key handy. You won't have to call a tow-truck and will be able to get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your keys. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different place than your normal keychain to ensure that it's not lost. Consider purchasing a spare in case you don't have one. lost a car key how to replace will decrease the likelihood of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car You can get a traditional key made by a locksmith or dealership. It is important to note that the dealer may have to program the key for your particular vehicle.
A lot of modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car using the remote control. If you lose the fob, the only way to get it back is to visit a locksmith or dealer to have them pair a replacement fob with your vehicle. Try to make it a habit of placing your keys in the same place every when you get 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
It's a terrible feeling to lose your car keys. Whether you dropped keys in the rush to get out of the house, or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and insecure.
Luckily, panicking won't aid you in finding your keys. It may even make things worse. Be calm and follow the steps below to find your keys as fast as you can.
Begin by thinking about your day and remembering the last spot you visited them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, make sure to check all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also repeat your steps to determine whether you've seen them anywhere else. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and interior.
If you've searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also look in your fridge and freezer. You'll need to open and shut the appliances and then feel inside to see if you can find small items.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This makes it easier to find them because they are louder and longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright color so that they are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. Reporting your keys missing from your car immediately is crucial to ensure that you do not have to be concerned about someone using your vehicle, or even entering your home. Notifying your loss in time can also be beneficial in terms of insurance coverage since most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from the dealership.
If you contact the police and ask them to inform you that your keys have been discovered by people or been taken. They will also give you some advice on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll likely ask you for details regarding the time you lost them and where you were before that.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key that isn't working electronically The first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets, and anywhere else you normally carry the keys. Once you've done this then go back through your day and try to recall the place you lost the keys. You may have dropped them on a table or in your bag while reaching for something.
If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it must be linked to the car and this can be done at a dealership. This could cost a few hundred dollars, depending on your car's brand and model. You can also contact emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible through the GEICO mobile app. This service will save your time and money by providing an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
5. Call an expert locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk when making errands, they could quickly disappear. This scenario happens often, since keys missing from cars are the 3rd most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent this from occurring. But you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.
Having a spare key can assist, but it can't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can aid 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 which makes it much easier to find.
If you can't locate the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, provided that you have proof that proves you are the owner, such as your car's title or registration.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, but when you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealer to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make certain to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific vehicle.
Losing your car key can be stressful, but it does not need to be. By following the tips listed above, you can recover your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm and not panic! Be aware that you aren't alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.