Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how well organized you are. When this happens, it's important to know what to do.

You should contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can create an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a darker direction. It is important to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's best to go back and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to search with you for a second pair of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and examining common areas such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you recently were wearing or used. If you i lost my only car key your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.

Examining your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Feel around the zippered areas. It's also a good idea to comb through the trash and recycling bin in case keys were to fall out of your bag and got crushed by something else.

You can also retrace your steps and search places you know the item isn't, like the fridge or fob freezer. Many times, items go missing when we go to them, but knock them off and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are ready to go home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and watch your favorite show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're walking around take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like desks and tabletops and also the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to leave keys in a congested area such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've thoroughly checked those areas.

Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. If you decide to choose to do this, ensure that you are able to open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouching beneath your vehicle to hide your keys.

You might also try hiding your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you close the car door.

4. Call the police

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

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from theft. This is essential when you lose your keys outside of your home, at the shop, or anywhere else in public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last saw your keys in your mind. It's also a good idea to ask other people in the area if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it is always an excellent idea to make copies of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Call for a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple tips you can use to aid.

Begin by retracing the steps you've taken and then searching for fob the locations where you think they might be. If you're still unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth a quick look in there.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They might be able to make you a new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, according to your particular situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a major downer on your day. It might be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down for a moment to grab something but lost track of it.

It is crucial to report a lost key immediately to the police. This will create a paper record and prevent others from using your car without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's best to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered before you file a claim.

Keep an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

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

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring, and can connect with an app on the phone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to assist you in finding your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions to allow other users can help you locate them if you are lost.

You can also avoid losing your keys by placing them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if put them in an table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. You can be certain that your claim will be taken care of if something happens to the car in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not have chips) you can get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and least expensive option.

For modern vehicles with an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll need to visit your local dealership to purchase a new key. This could cost you up to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office especially in areas where you tend to lose things.