What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be one of the most frustrating experiences you can have. In the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things sometimes get lost.
Remember to not panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most important element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced objects. Whether you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car or you're trying to get ready for the day and drop your keys in a rush it could happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys There are some options you can try before calling a locksmith for help.
In the beginning, you'll need to retrace your steps. This can be difficult in a state of panic however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last saw your keys and the places you visited after that. It can also be helpful to write down your steps so that you can refer back to them later on.
If you've tried searching in the most obvious places but cannot find your keys, you may need to look elsewhere. Check your bags or pockets that you've been wearing during the day, and in your home. Keep in mind that your keys could be somewhere close by - they're just not in a convenient location. You can also search for your keys by examining other items they're usually associated with such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried every option but still cannot find your keys, it's time to call for a 24-hour emergency locksmith. But before you do, try these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:
2. Get a spare key
It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats, couch cushions or even simply by themselves. It used to be easy to replace a lost key at any hardware or locksmith store. But with advances in technology for key fobs it's becoming more difficult to get a replacement for lost keys.
It is recommended to always have an extra car key on your side. A spare key will save you from having to call an tow truck and aid in getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your key a lot more simple. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than your normal keychain so it's not as easily lost. If you don't have an extra key, think about making one to decrease the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle you may be able to have a traditional key created by a locksmith, or a dealership. However, it is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
A lot of modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using remote controls. If you lose your fob, your only option is to visit the locksmith or dealer to have them connect a replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same spot each when you return home. You can put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty your Pockets
Losing your car keys can be an extremely painful experience. If you dropped them in the rush to get out of the house or your little ones hid them under the couch for a game of hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can make you feel frantic and overwhelmed.
Fortunately, panicking won't help you find your keys. It may even make things worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to solve your issue as quickly as possible.
Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last time you visited them. Go through all your pockets and bags in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also go back through your steps to see if you've come across them elsewhere. Also, you can check your car to see whether they've been abandoned there however, you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the car.
If you've checked everywhere and still can't locate your car keys, it's time to begin more advanced searches. This includes looking in the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You'll need to open and close each of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where small items might have been hidden.
Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a long lanyard or chain. This makes it easier to locate them because they are more noticeable and longer. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright hue so that they are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the Police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to call the police. It's important to report your lost car keys replaced car keys as soon as you lose them so that you don't face problems with someone using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. The early reporting of your loss can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, since the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from the dealership.
They'll inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they've been stolen when you contact them. They'll also give you some suggestions on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely ask you to provide details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior that happened.
If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that isn't working electronically, the first thing to do is to look in your pockets, bags, and any other places you normally carry them. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry them, look back in time to try to remember when you lost them. You might have dropped them on a table or your bag when you reached for something.
If you own a transponder key that works electronically, it must be paired with the car, which can only be done at the dealership. This can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, based on the make and model of your vehicle. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency and is available via the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Contact for a locksmith
When you're on the run and you put your car keys in the trunk for a moment and they'll disappear. This is a scenario that happens all too often, as keys missing from cars are the third most lost a car key item in America1. Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent this from happening. But you can make steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could aid in finding your keys if they do disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal from your keys that have been lost, making it easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, call locksmiths who will visit and replace the keys. The locksmith will be able to make a new key for you, provided that you can prove 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, however If you own a smart key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to get one custom-made for you. You can also buy replacement keys on the internet. But, ensure you verify that the key is programmed for G28Carkeys your specific vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful However, it doesn't need to be. If you follow the steps that are listed above, you will be able to recover your keys and get back on the road. Be sure to remain calm, and don't panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one Every car owner loses keys at some time or another.