What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often get misplaced.

The most important thing to remember is not to be in a panic. Making a note of your steps and searching for a long time will often lead to finding the most important element.

1. Retract Your Steps

It's no secret that keys are the most frequently lost items. Whether you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car or you're trying to prepare for the day and forget your keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.

The first step is to go back and trace your steps. This can be a challenge in a state of panic However, it's essential to remember exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you went following that. It might be useful to write down the steps you did so that you can search them later.

If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it may be time to begin looking in more obvious places. Be sure to check your bags or pockets that you've worn during the day, and also your house. Keep in mind that your keys are probably somewhere nearby - just not in the place you'd think of. It may also be beneficial to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they're usually connected to, such as a laptop or purse.

If you've tried all the options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it might be time to call an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you do that, try these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the near future:

2. Get a Spare Key

It's not unusual for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats and couch cushions, or all by themselves. In the past it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to obtain a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. However, with the advancements in technology for key fobs it's becoming more difficult to find an alternative for keys that have been lost.

It's best to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key will prevent you from having to call a tow truck, and will make getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your keys much simpler. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different place than the usual keychain so it's not as easily lost. You should consider getting a spare in case you don't have one. This will lower the likelihood of losing your keys.

Depending on the type of vehicle you own you may be able to have a traditional key made by a locksmith or dealership. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer needs to program your key to fit your vehicle.

A lot of modern vehicles come equipped with an entry system which allows you to unlock the car key lost using an electronic remote control. If you lose the fob your only option is to go to the locksmith or dealer to have them connect the replacement fob with your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, try to keep a routine of keep your keys in the same place each time you return home. If it's on the entry table or the bowl on your front porch, or even a hook by the door, it can help you remember where they are and where you can find them in the future.

3. Empty Your Pockets

It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. You might feel helpless and panicked if you lose your car keys.

Fortunately, panicking won't aid you in finding your keys - and it may even make things worse. Try to remain calm and follow the steps listed below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.

Begin by going back through your day and recalling the last time you used them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to look through all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also go through the steps you followed to see whether they were located anywhere else. You could also examine your car, but you will have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.

If you've searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. You can also search your freezer and fridge. You will need to open and shut the appliances and then feel inside as you may find small objects.

Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another great way to prevent losing keys. This will make it easier to locate them since they're louder and longer. You can also make your keys stand out using a bright colour.

4. Contact the police

It's evident that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is to call the police. It's important to report your lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't face any issues with someone using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. Besides, reporting your loss in the early stages will also help you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement lost car keys keys at the dealership.

They'll be able to tell you if they have found your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They'll also give you advice on some preventative steps to take. If the keys aren't found they'll probably request information about when you lost them, and where you were before that.

Check your bags, pockets and other places where you normally carry the key. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry them, go back in time to try to remember when you lost key to my car them. You might have tossed 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 hundred dollars, based on the brand and model. You can also call GEICO for emergency roadside assistance 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 a Locksmith

If you leave your keys in the trunk when doing errands, they can quickly disappear. This scenario happens all too often, as lost car keys are the 3rd most lost item in America1. You can't prevent this from happening all the time. You can, however, make steps to decrease the chance of losing them.

A spare key is a good idea, however, it isn't a guarantee that you won't lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain could help you find your keys should they become lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your smartphone when it detects an indication from the key you lost, making it much easier to locate.

If you're unable to locate your car keys you should contact locksmiths to come out and replace the keys. The locksmith can make a new key for you, provided that you have proof that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.

Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace. If you own a remote key fob, or smart key, you'll have to call your dealer to get one made. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. However, make sure you check that the key can be programmed to the specific vehicle you own.

Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. If you follow the steps that are listed above, you will be able to retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Be calm and don't be in a panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some time or another.