What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things sometimes are lost or misplaced.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to not get in a state of panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.

1. Retract your Steps

It's not a secret that keys are among of the most common objects that get lost. Whether you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day and drop keys in a hurry, it can happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things you can do before calling a locksmith for help.

In the beginning, you'll need to retrace your steps. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last viewed your keys, and also where you went afterward. You may find it beneficial to record the steps you did so that you can find them later.

If you've tried retracing your steps and still can't find your car keys, it might be time to begin looking in more obvious locations. Make sure you look in any pockets or bags that you've been wearing during the day, and also your home. Keep in mind that your keys could be somewhere close by but they're not in a convenient location. You can also locate your keys by examining other items they are typically paired with, such as a laptop, purse or wallet.

If you've tried all of these options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it may be time to call an 24 hour locksmith to help. Before you call a locksmith, try these tips to keep your keys from being lost again.

2. Get a spare key

Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. In the past, this was no big deal since it was easy to get an additional key from any locksmith or lost key hardware store. But with advances in the field of key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to get a replacement for lost keys.

It is recommended to always have an extra car key on the go. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck and will help you get your vehicle back losing your key much easier. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain, so that it's less likely to lose. You should consider getting a spare if you don't already own one. This will decrease the likelihood of losing your keys.

You can usually have a traditional car key made at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on your vehicle's model. However, it is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your specific vehicle.

Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car by using remote controls. If you lose your fob, your only option is to visit a locksmith or dealer to help them connect the replacement fob with your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot every time you get home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch, or on the table in the entryway.

3. Empty Your Pockets

Losing your car keys can be an extremely painful experience. You may feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys.

The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may even cause it to become worse. Keep calm and use the steps below to find your keys as fast as you can.

Begin by reviewing your day and remembering where you had them last. Examine all of your pockets and bags in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also go back through your steps to determine if you've come across them elsewhere. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.

If you've looked everywhere and still can't find your lost car keys, it's time to move on to more advanced searches. You can also look in your freezer and fridge. You'll need to open and shut both appliances and feel inside to see if you can find small objects.

Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing keys. This will help you 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. You can also make your keys stand out using a bright color.

4. Contact the police

The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. Reporting your keys missing from your car immediately is important to ensure that you don't have to be concerned about someone else using your vehicle, or even getting into your home. Reporting your loss early will also help you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys from the dealership.

When you call the police and they'll inform you that your keys have been discovered by someone or have been stolen. They'll also advise you on some preventative steps to take. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely request you to give details of the date you replacing lost keys them as well as what you were doing prior to that incident.

If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't function electronically The first thing to do is check your bags, pockets and any other places you normally carry them. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, you should go back in time to try to recall the time you lost the keys. You might have tossed them on a table or your bag after reaching for something.

If you have a transponder key that operates electronically, it'll need to be paired with the car, which can only be done at a dealership. It can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also contact emergency roadside assistance from GEICO and is available 24/7 via the GEICO mobile app. This service could 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 put your keys to your car in the trunk for a moment, they can easily disappear. This is all too common, as lost keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. You can't prevent this from happening constantly. However, you can make steps to decrease the chances of losing them.

Having a spare key can aid, but it won't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device can help you locate your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone when it detects the signal of your lost key (visit link), making it much easier to find.

If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace the keys. If you are able to provide proof of ownership, for example the registration or title of your vehicle, a locksmith will be able to create keys for you.

The traditional keys are the easiest to replace. If you have a remote key fob, or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys can be stressful 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. Remember to stay calm and don't be in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one - everybody loses their car keys at some time or another.