What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. In the shuffle of school pick ups, grocery store trips and other chores, things can are lost or misplaced.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to be in a panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract lost the car key 's not a secret that keys are among the most frequently lost objects. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day, and then drop your 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.
You'll need to repeat all your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last viewed your keys, and where you went afterwards. It might also be helpful to record your steps so that you can be able to refer back to them later on.
If you've searched in the most obvious places but cannot find your keys, you might need to look in different places. Be sure to check any pockets or bags that you've been carrying around throughout the day, as well as your home. Remember that your keys will likely be in close proximity They're just not in an obvious place. You can also find your keys by examining other items they're usually associated with such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've gone through all the options and still can't find your keys, it might be time to call an 24 hour locksmith to help. But before you call, consider these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the near future:
2. Get a spare key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. It used to be easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it's now more difficult to replace lost keys.
For this reason, it's best to keep a spare key handy. You won't have to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily get your vehicle back if you lose your key. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than the usual keychain so that it isn't as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider making one to decrease the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle, you can have traditional keys made by a locksmith, or a dealership. It is important to note that the dealer might need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles have keyless entry systems which allows you to unlock the car using the remote control device. If you lose your fob, your only option is to go to the dealer or locksmith to have them pair a replacement fob with your vehicle. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same spot each when you return home. It could be in the entry table, an empty bowl on your front porch or even a hook by the door, it can aid in remembering the location of your keys and where to find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. You might feel helpless and frantic if you lose your car keys.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and could make it worse. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to solve your issue as quickly as possible.
Begin by thinking about your day and recollecting the last place you were when you last saw them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also retrace your steps to determine if you've come across them anywhere else. Also, you can check your car to see whether they've been discarded however, you'll need to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've tried everything else but still can't find your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. You can also look in your fridge and freezer. You'll have to shut and open each appliance and look inside for small things.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a long lanyard or chain. This will help you keep track of them, as well as making them more difficult to misplace because of the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Call the police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting your lost car keys immediately is important to ensure that you do not need to worry about someone using your car or even getting into your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss at an early stage also benefits you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
They'll let you know if they've found your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. They will also give you some tips on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If they can't locate your keys they'll probably request information about when you lost them and where you were before that.
Check your bags, pockets and other places where you normally carry the key. After you've done that then go back through your day and try to remember where you lost the keys. You might have dropped them on a table or in 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 by a dealership. This could cost a few hundred dollars, based on your car's brand and model. You can also contact emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible via the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by delivering an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk when running errands, they could be easily lost. This is a scenario that occurs often, since keys to cars that are lost are the 3rd most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from occurring. But you can make steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, however, it isn't a guarantee that you will not lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device will assist you in finding your keys in the event that they are lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone whenever it detects the signal of your lost key and makes it easier to find.
If you can't locate your car keys, call locksmiths who will visit and replace them. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, like the registration or title of your vehicle the locksmith will be able to create keys for you.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, but If you own a smart key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to have one made specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make sure to verify whether the key you buy can be programmed to your specific car.
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful experience however it isn't necessary to be. If you follow the steps given above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Keep calm, and don't panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not the only one Every car owner loses keys at some point.