What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. 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 panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly will usually result in finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract your steps
It's no fact that keys are among the most frequently misplaced items. Whether you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to get ready for the day and drop keys in a hurry, it can happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith for assistance.
You'll need to retrace all of your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last viewed your keys, and where you went afterward. It might be helpful to write down the steps you completed to be able to look them up later.
If you've gone back to the same spot and still haven't found your car keys, it could be time to start looking at more obvious places. Look in your bags and pockets and the home. Keep in mind that your keys may be somewhere nearby - just not in a place you'd expect. It can also be helpful to locate your keys near other items they are typically connected to, such as laptops or purses.
If you've tried all the options and still can't find your keys, it could be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. Before you call a locksmith, you can try these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing once more.
2. Get a spare key
It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets and couch cushions, or simply by themselves. Once upon a time, this was no big issue since it was simple to get an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it's now more difficult to replace lost keys.
It's best to keep a spare key handy. You won't need to call a tow truck and can easily return your vehicle if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain to ensure it's not as easy to lose. If you don't have a spare key, consider having one made to minimize the chances of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your car you may be able to have traditional keys made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is important to know that the dealer may need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
Many modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car by using the remote control. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob the only way to start your car again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and let them connect a new fob to your car. Make it a habit to put your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch, or in the entry table.
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.
Panicking won't solve your problem and may even make it worse. Keep calm and follow the steps listed below to locate your keys as fast as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last spot you saw them. Examine all of your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat the steps you followed to see whether they were found other than your pocket. Finally, you can always look inside your car to determine if they've been left there however you'll have to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll have to shut and open each appliance and look inside as you may find small items.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will allow you to keep track of them, and also make them harder to lose because of the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. replacing lost car key 's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright color to make them stand out against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the Police
The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately is important to ensure that you don't have to worry about someone using your car or entering your home. In addition, reporting your loss in the early stages also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
If you contact the police and ask them to inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been taken. They'll also offer some suggestions on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If your keys haven't yet been found, they'll likely ask you to provide information about when you lost them and what you were doing prior the incident occurred.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you normally carry the key. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, look back in time to try to remember when you lost them. It's possible you put them on a counter somewhere or searched your bag to find something and then the keys fell out.
This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. It could cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also call emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available on the GEICO mobile app. This service will save your time and money by providing a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you put your keys in your trunk while running errands, they could easily disappear. This is all too frequent, considering that keys are the third-most misplaced item among Americans1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening every day. However, you can take steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
The use of a spare key may aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device can help you locate your keys in the event they are lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys and makes it easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call locksmiths who will visit and replace them. The locksmith can create a new key on behalf of you if you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, but If you own an electronic key or a remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealership to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. But, ensure you check that the key can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful event, but it does not have to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Keep calm and don't get stressed! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone Every car owner loses keys at some time or another.