What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be among the most stressful experiences you experience. Things could get lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery visits, and other chores.
The most important thing to remember is not to get in a state of panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most common items that are lost. It could happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, unable to concentrate while getting out of your vehicle or at home trying to get ready for work and then dropping your keys. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
First, you'll want to retrace your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode However, it's essential to keep track of where you last seen your keys and the places you visited after that. It might be beneficial to record the steps you did so that you can search them later.
If you've retraced your steps and are still unable to locate your car keys, it may be time to look in more obvious places. Check any pockets or bags that you've worn during the day, as well as your home. Remember that your keys could be close by but they're not in an obvious place. It could also be helpful to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they are typically paired with, like laptops or purses.
If you have tried everything but still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. But before you call, consider these suggestions to prevent your keys from disappearing in the future.
2. Get a spare key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear into coat pockets, under couch cushions, or just disappear completely. At G28 Car Keys wasn't a big issue since it was simple to get a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. However, with the advancements in technology for key fobs it's now much more difficult to obtain the replacement keys for keys lost.
This is why it's recommended to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key can save you from calling a tow truck and will make getting your vehicle back if you happen to losing your key much simpler. It's best to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain, so that it isn't as easy to lose. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider having one made to minimize the chances of losing your keys.
It is possible to get a traditional car key created at a locksmith or at a dealership, depending on the model of your car. It is important to remember that the dealer needs to program your key to match your vehicle.
A lot of 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 have them connect the replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a routine to place your keys in the exact same spot each time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl, or on a hook on the front porch or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. Whether you lost them in the rush to leave the house or your little ones hid them under the couch for a game of hide-andseek the loss of your car keys can make you feel frantic and overwhelmed.
Fortunately, panicking won't help you find your keys. It could cause more problems. Be calm and follow the steps below to find your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by reviewing your day and recollecting where you last saw them. Check all your bags and pockets if you recall that they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've found them in any other places. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.
If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also search your fridge and freezer. You will need to open and shut the appliances and then feel inside for small things.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to connect them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This helps you keep track of them and also make them more difficult to find because of the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright shade so that they stand out against other items in your bag or pocket.
4. Call the police
The most obvious step after losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting the keys missing from your car immediately is important to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone using your car or even entering your home. Notifying your loss in time will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.
When you call the police and ask them to inform you if your keys have been discovered by people or been stolen. They'll also give you some tips on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely request you to provide details of when you lost them and what you were doing prior the incident occurred.
If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically The first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, look back in time to recall the time you lost the keys. You may have dropped them on a table or in your bag after reaching for something.
This is only done by the dealer if have a transponder that functions electronically. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, based on the model and brand of your vehicle. You can also contact emergency roadside service from GEICO, always available through the GEICO mobile app. This service will save your time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Call a locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk when running errands, they could easily disappear. This scenario is all too common, as lost keys are the third-most misplaced item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from happening. But you can take steps to minimize your chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea however, it isn't a guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you find your keys if they do get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone when it detects a signal from the key you lost and makes it easier to locate.
If you can't locate your car keys you should contact locksmiths to come out and replace them. The locksmith will be able make a new key for you as long as you have proof that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your car's title or registration.
The traditional keys are the most simple to replace. If you have a remote key fob or smart key, you will need to contact your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also purchase replacement keys online. However, make sure you check if the key can be programmed to your particular vehicle.
Losing your car keys could be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. You can get your keys back by following these tips. Keep calm and not get in a panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone Every car owner loses keys at some time or another.