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 often get lost.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to get in a state of panic. Retracing your steps and searching thoroughly will usually result in finding the key.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are the most frequently lost items. Whether you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day, and then drop keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. There are a few things you can do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
You'll need to repeat all your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last looked at your keys, and where you went afterward. It might be useful to write down the steps you did so that you can search them later.
If you've tried retracing your steps and still can't find your car keys, it may be time to look in more obvious locations. Look in your bags and pockets and also the house. Keep in mind that your keys could be somewhere close by but they're not in a convenient location. It could also be helpful to search for your keys near any other items they're typically paired with, like 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 call, consider these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the future.
2. Get a spare key
It is not uncommon for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats, couch cushions or even all by themselves. It was once simple to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. With the introduction of key fob technology it has become more difficult to replace keys lost.
It's best to always keep an extra car key on your side. You won't have to call a tow truck and will be able to easily return your vehicle if you lose your key. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different spot than your normal keychain so it's not as easily misplaced. If you don't have an extra key, think about getting one made to reduce the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle, you can have a traditional key made by a locksmith or dealership. However, it is important to know that the dealer may need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
A majority of modern cars have an entry system that allows you to unlock the car with the remote control device. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to get your car running from scratch is to go to the locksmith or dealer and ask them to connect a new fob to your car. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot every time you arrive home. If it's on the entry table or an empty bowl on your front porch, or even a hook by the door, it will help you remember where they are and how you can find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
Losing your car keys can be a terrible feeling. If you lost keys in the rush to leave the house, or your young ones hid them under the couch for a game of hide-and-seek and then lost your keys to your car can make you feel anxious and insecure.
Luckily, panicking will not help you find your keys. In fact, it can cause more trouble. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to resolve your problem as quickly as possible.
Start by going back through your day and recollecting where you last saw them. Go through all your pockets and bags in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to determine if you've come across them elsewhere. Finally, you can always look inside your car to determine whether they've been abandoned there however you'll have to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've looked everywhere else but are unable to locate your car keys that you lost It's time to start more advanced searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll need to open and shut both appliances and feel inside to see if you can find small items.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will make it easier to find keys because they're louder and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright colour.
4. Contact the police
It's evident that the first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is call the police. It is essential to report lost car key s as soon as you lose them so that you don't have any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. In addition, reporting your loss at an early stage can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage as most policies cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
If you contact the police, they'll be able to inform you if your keys have been found by people or have been stolen. They'll also give you some suggestions on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If your keys aren't discovered, they'll likely ask you to provide information about when you lost them and what you were doing prior to that happened.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, look back to the beginning of time to recall the time you lost keys. It's possible that you set them on a counter, or went into your bag to find something and the keys dropped out.
If you have a transponder key that operates electronically, it'll need to be paired with the car, which can only be done at the dealership. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available via the GEICO mobile app. This service will help you save money and time by sending a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you put your keys in the trunk when running errands, they could quickly disappear. This scenario is all too frequent, considering that keys are the most misplaced item in the United States1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. You can, however, make steps to decrease the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device will help you locate your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects the signal from your keys that have been lost which makes it easier to find.
If you cannot find the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will visit and replace the keys. If you have evidence of ownership, like the registration or title of your vehicle A locksmith will be able create keys for you.
The traditional keys are the most simple to replace. If you have a remote key fob or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have one made. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. However, make sure you check that the key is programmed for your particular vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience However, it doesn't have to be. By following the tips listed above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Be calm and not get in a panic! Be aware that you aren't alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.