Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You will lose your keys at some point, regardless of how organized you are. In the event of this happening, it's important to be aware of what to do.

Depending on your vehicle the first call you should make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can make a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and can even result in unwanted calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they return exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always the case). However the situation could be more serious. It is crucial to keep your cool and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

It's also important to remember that most things won't disappear for ever, and are often found in some very strange locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also invite a family or friend member to help you search, as another set of eyes is often helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're unable to locate your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys that are missing might appear obvious, but you should be thorough. Take out all pockets you carry, including those in jackets and purses, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycle bin in the event that your keys were to fall out of your bag and were crushed by something other.

You can also trace your footsteps and search in places where the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things disappear when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to go back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. You realize that your keys to your car are missing.

While you're walking around take a look at areas that are overly cluttered such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. You could also leave your keys in a crowded space, like the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief may be able to see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a little bit distracted. You could be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys on the seat or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of food items. It happens to all of us.

When you lose something, it's crucial to contact the police immediately. You can then make a police report to help protect your car from theft. This is particularly crucial if you find your keys lost outside your home, at the store, or in a public place.

Before you start, be sure to retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last saw your keys in your mind. It's also recommended to inquire of others in the vicinity whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to keep your car safe and prevent other people from using it (which could result in additional costs like replacing ignition and door locks). It is a good idea, in the event that you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are, however, some things you can do to assist.

Begin by retracing the steps you've already taken and searching in the places where you think they might have been left. If you're still not able to locate them, check the car. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Contact a locksmith to inquire if they can find your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even alter your locks if necessary. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership whenever you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a major impact on your day. You might have been running a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost car keys replaced track.

It is important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This creates a paper trail and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid getting fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. But, it's advisable to check with your agent to confirm that you're covered before filing a claim.

Think about investing in a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any time. You could be running a quick errand replacement and you forget to place them on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are ways to stop this from happening again. The best method to prevent this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a keyring or wallet and connect to an app on your phone. Once you open the app, it will ring or flash to help find your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that others can assist you to find them if they are out of range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to always place them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter if it's on your entry table or on a hanger near the door, keeping the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to notify your insurance company right away. You can be sure that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the car in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not have chip) you can simply get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and least expensive option.

It may be more difficult for vehicles with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll have to visit your local dealer to obtain a replacement key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle, this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key and keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.