What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. Things could get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery visits, and other chores.
Remember to not panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most important element.
1. Retract your Steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most common objects that get lost. It could happen to anyone, no matter if you're running an adventure, distracted when you get out of your vehicle or at home rushing to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are some things you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll have to go back through all your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last looked at your keys, and also where you went afterwards. It can also be helpful to record your steps so that you can refer back to them in the future.
If you've searched in obvious places and still cannot find your keys, you may need to look in different places. Examine your purses and pockets and the home. Be aware that your keys may be in the vicinity, but not in the location you'd expect. You can also search for your keys by looking around other items they are typically paired with, such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried everything but are still unable to locate 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. Find a spare key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. Once upon a time it wasn't a big issue since it was simple to find an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. However, due to advancements in key fob technology it's now much more difficult to find a replacement for lost keys.
This is why it's ideal to keep a spare key handy. You won't need to call a tow-truck and will be able to easily get your vehicle back if you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain, so that it's less likely to lose. If you don't have an extra key, think about having one made to minimize the possibility of losing your keys.
It is common to have a traditional car key created at a locksmith or at a dealership, depending on the model of your car. It is crucial to remember that the dealer must program your key to fit your car.
A majority of modern cars have keyless entry systems that lets you unlock the car with an electronic remote control. If you lose the fob, your only option is to visit the locksmith or dealer to have them match a replacement fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, make it a habit to keep your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. You can place your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. If you dropped them in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and insecure.
Luckily, panicking won't help you find your keys - and it could cause more problems. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to resolve your problem as quickly as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and remembering the last spot you visited them. Go through all your bags and pockets in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also retrace your steps to determine whether you've found them elsewhere. You can also look over your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.
If you've searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. You can also look in your fridge and freezer. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances and check inside, since you never know where tiny objects might be hiding.
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 due to the noise they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.
4. Call the Police
The first step following losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately is crucial so that you do not need to worry about someone else using your vehicle or getting into your home. Reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from the dealership.
They will be able tell you if they have discovered your keys or if they've been stolen when you call them. discover this info here 'll also provide advice on preventative steps to take. If the keys aren't found they'll probably request information about when you lost them and where you were before that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places where you normally carry the key. Once you've done this, walk back through your day and try to remember where you lost keys. You may have dropped them on a table, or in your bag when you reached for something.
If you have a transponder key that operates electronically, it'll need to be paired with the car and this can be done at a dealership. This could cost a few hundreds of dollars, based on the car's model and brand. model. You can also call GEICO for assistance with roadside emergencies, which is always available through the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you're out running errands and you put your keys to your car in the trunk for a moment and they'll disappear. This scenario is all too common, since keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from happening. However, you can make steps to lessen your chance of losing them.
A spare key can aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event they are lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone when it detects the signal of your key that has been lost and makes it easier to locate.
If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should contact locksmiths to come out and replace the keys. The locksmith will be able to make a new key for you, provided that you have proof that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, however If you own an intelligent key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but be sure to check to see whether the key you buy can be programmed to your specific car.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful event however it doesn't have to be. By following the tips that are listed above, you will be able to retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm and don't panic! Keep in mind that you're not all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.