What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things can get lost.
Remember to not panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among the most frequently lost objects. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an adventure, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or at home trying to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are a few things you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. It isn't easy to remember where you were when you last saw your keys, and also where you went afterwards. It can also be helpful to note down your steps to be able to look them up later on.
If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it could be time to begin looking at more obvious places. Check any pockets or bags that you've worn during the day, as well as your home. Keep in mind that your keys may be in the vicinity, but not in the location you'd expect. It could also be helpful to locate your keys in the vicinity of other items they are typically connected to, such as laptops or purses.
If you've gone through all the options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it may be time to contact an 24 hour locksmith to help. Before you call a locksmith, you can try these suggestions to prevent your keys from disappearing again.
2. Get a Spare Key
It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats, couch cushions or even simply by themselves. At one time it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to get a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in key fob technology it's now much more difficult to get the replacement keys for keys lost.
This is why it's best to keep a spare key in your car. A spare key can save you from calling a tow truck, and will aid in getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your keys much simpler. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain to ensure it isn't as easy to lose. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider having one made to minimize the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own you may be able to have a traditional key created by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to remember that the dealer may have to program the key for your specific vehicle.
lost a car key how to replace are equipped with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car by using a remote control. If you lose your fob, your only option is to go to the locksmith or dealer to have them pair an alternative fob to your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, try to make it a habit to place your keys in the same place every time you get home. You can place your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. You may feel helpless and panicked if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking won't help you find your keys. In fact, it can cause more trouble. Keep calm and use the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by reviewing your day and recollecting where you had them last. Examine all of your pockets and bags If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also retrace your steps to determine if you've come across them in any other places. You can also examine your vehicle to determine if they've been left there however, you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the car.
If you've tried everything and can't locate your car keys, it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also search in your freezer and fridge. You will have to shut and open both appliances and feel inside as you may find small items.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to tie them to a long lanyard or chain. This helps you keep track of them and also make them more difficult to misplace because of the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright hue to make them are noticeable against other items in your bag or pocket.
4. Call the police
It is obvious that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is call the police. Notifying the police of your lost keys to the police immediately is important so that you do not have to worry about someone else using your vehicle or even entering your home. The early reporting of your loss can also be beneficial in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They will be able let you know if they've found your keys or if they have been taken when you call them. car key lost replacement 'll also offer some suggestions on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll likely be asking you for information about the date you lost them, and where you were prior to that.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't operate electronically the first thing you should do is to check your bags, pockets, and any other places you normally carry them. After you've done that take a walk through your day and try to recall where you lost them. It's possible that you set them on a counter or searched your bag to grab something, and keys dropped out.
This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder that works electronically. This can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the brand and model of your car. You can also contact GEICO for emergency roadside assistance, which is always available through the GEICO app. This service will help you save money and time by sending a mobile locksmith to you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you leave your keys in your trunk while making errands, they could easily disappear. This scenario is all too common, since keys are the most misplaced item among Americans1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening every day. You can, however, make steps to decrease your chances 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 aid in finding your keys should they become lost. helpful resources tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your keys that have been lost which makes it easier to locate.
If you can't locate your car keys, contact locksmiths who will come and replace the keys. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle, a locksmith can create keys for you.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, however if you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealer to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make sure to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful event However, it doesn't have to be. By following the tips given above, you can recover your keys and get back on the road. Just remember to keep 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 point.