What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be one of the most stressful experiences you endure. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things sometimes are lost a car key or misplaced.

The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. Finding the key usually involves repeating your steps.

1. Retract Your Steps

It's no secret that keys are one of the most common items to misplace. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day, and then drop your 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.

You'll need to retrace every step. This can be difficult when you're in a panic However, it's essential to keep track of exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you went after that. It can also be helpful to note down your steps so that you can be able to refer back to them later on.

If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it may be time to begin looking at more obvious places. Look in your bags and pockets and the house. Remember that your keys may be somewhere nearby - just not in the location you'd think of. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items they are typically paired with, such as a laptop, purse or wallet.

If you've gone through all of these options but still can't find your keys, it might be time to contact a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do that, try these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the future.

2. Find a spare key

Car keys have an amazing ability to disappear into pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. Once upon a time, this was no big problem since it was easy to obtain an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it's now more difficult to replace keys lost.

It's best to always keep a spare car key on your side. You will not have to call a tow-truck and can easily get your vehicle back if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different place than your normal keychain so it's not as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider getting one made to reduce the possibility of losing your keys.

You can usually have a traditional car key made by a locksmith or an auto dealer, based on the car's model. It is important to remember that the dealer must program the key to fit your vehicle.

Many modern cars come equipped with keyless entry systems that allows you to unlock the car using the remote control device. If you lose your fob, the only way to get it back is to visit the locksmith or dealer to have them match an alternative fob to your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, keep a routine of place your keys in the same location every time you arrive home. You can place your keys in a bowl or 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. You might feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys.

The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may cause it to get worse. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to solve your issue as fast as possible.

Start by going back through your day and remembering where you last saw them. Go through all your bags and pockets if you recall that they were in your wallet. You can also retrace your steps to determine whether you've found them in any other places. You can also look over your car, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.

If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This could include searching in the fridge and freezer for your keys. You will have to shut and open both appliances and feel inside to see if you can find small items.

Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to attach them to a long lanyard or lost My car key chain. This makes it easier to find them because they are more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.

4. Contact the police

It's obvious that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is call the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't have any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or entering your home. In addition, reporting your loss early can also benefit you with regard to insurance coverage since most policies cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.

They will be able inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they've been taken when you call them. They'll also advise you on the steps you can take. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely ask you to provide information about the time you lost them and what you were doing prior the incident occurred.

If you have an old-school metal key that isn't working electronically, the first thing to do is check your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry the keys. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, look back to the beginning of time to remember when you lost them. You may have dropped them on a table or your bag after reaching for something.

This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. This could cost a few hundreds of dollars, based on your car's brand and model. You can also call GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies and is available via the GEICO app. This service can help you save money and time by delivering a mobile locksmith to you.

5. Call an expert locksmith

When you're on the run and you put your car keys in your trunk for a moment and they'll be gone. This scenario is all too common, as lost keys are the 3rd most lost my car key item in the United States1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from occurring. However, you can make steps to decrease the chances of losing them.

A spare key can help, but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will help you locate your keys in the event they get lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your smartphone when it detects an indication from the key you lost and makes it easier to find.

If you cannot find your car keys, contact a locksmith who will come and replace the keys. The locksmith will be able to create a new key on behalf of you if you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, like your vehicle's title or registration.

Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, however when you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealer to get one custom-made specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but be sure to check to see whether the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys can be stressful But it doesn't have to be. By following the tips given above, you can recover your keys and get back on the road. Be calm and do not be in a panic! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.