What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be one of the most difficult experiences you endure. In the shuffle of school pick ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things sometimes are lost or misplaced.
Be sure not to panic. Finding the key usually involves going back to your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most common objects that get lost. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to prepare for the day and drop your keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. There are a few steps you can take before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll have to go back through all of your steps. This can be challenging when you're in a panic however, it's crucial to keep track of exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you visited following that. You may find it beneficial to record the steps you did so that you can find them later.
If you've gone back to the same spot and still haven't found your car keys, it might be time to look at more obvious places. Check your bags or pockets that you've been carrying around during the day, and in your home. Keep in mind that your keys are likely to be in close proximity - they're just not in an obvious place. You can also locate your keys by examining other items they are usually associated with such as the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried all these options but you are still unable to locate your keys, then it's time to call for an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. But before you do, try some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Find a spare key
Car keys have an amazing ability to disappear into coat pockets, under couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. It was once easy to replace keys lost at any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in key fob technology, it's become much more difficult to obtain a replacement for lost keys.
It is recommended to always have an extra car key on hand. A spare key can save you from having to call a tow truck, and will make getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your key a lot easier. It is recommended to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain, so that it's not as easy to lose. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't already own one. This will reduce the chance of losing your keys.
It is possible to get a traditional car key created at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on the car's model. However, it is important to know that the dealer may have to program the key for your particular vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles are equipped with an entry system that allows you to unlock the car using the remote control device. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only solution to start your car again is to visit 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 when you return home. You can place your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a terrible feeling to lose your car keys. car key lost no spare might feel helpless and panicked if you lose your car keys.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may even cause it to get worse. Instead keep your cool and follow the steps below to fix your issue as quickly as you can.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recollecting the last time you saw them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, make sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you took to determine whether they were located anywhere other than your pocket. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.
If you've looked everywhere else but are unable to locate your car keys that you lost then it's time to start more advanced searches. You can also search your freezer and fridge. You'll need to open and shut each appliance and look inside to see if you can find small things.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is a great way to prevent losing keys. This helps you keep track of them, and also make them more difficult to find due to the sound they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It's also helpful to put your keys in a bright shade to make them are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the Police
The first step following losing your keys is to contact the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't face problems with someone using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. The early reporting of your loss can also be beneficial in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They will be able inform you if they've found your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. They'll also advise you on the steps you can take. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely ask you to provide information about when you lost them and what you were doing prior to that incident.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry the key. After that take a walk through your day and try to recall the place you lost the keys. You might have tossed them on a table or your bag while reaching for something.
This can only be done by the dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. This can cost several hundred dollars, depending on your car's brand and model. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available through the GEICO mobile app. This service could save your time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Contact a Locksmith
If you put your keys in the trunk when doing errands, they can be easily lost. This scenario is frequent, considering that keys are the 3rd most lost item in the United States1. You can't prevent this from happening all the time. You can, however, take steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
Having a spare key can help, but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will assist you in finding your keys in the event they are lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your keys that have been lost and makes it easier to find.
If you cannot find the keys to your car, contact a locksmith who will come and replace them. If you are able to provide evidence of ownership, for example the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith will be able create keys for you.
The traditional keys are the easiest to replace. If you own an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you will have to contact your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to check to see whether the key you buy can be programmed to your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be a stressful experience however it isn't necessary to be. You can get your keys back by following the tips above. Remember to stay calm and do not panic! Remember that you are not all on your own. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.