Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens, it's important to be prepared.

You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. They can design an alternative key that will fit your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and even lead to unsavory calls from strangers. It doesn't matter if are an organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). However, the situation can often be more serious. When you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It is important to keep in mind that most things aren't Lost my car key for ever, and are often found in odd locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's recommended to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you haven't found your car keys after retracing your steps and checking in the usual places, such as key hooks, look for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you've lost your keys in a shop and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something unusual.

It may seem obvious to check your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing, but it's important to do it in a thorough manner. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Feel around all zippered areas. You should also look in the trash and recycling bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It could be beneficial to go back again and search places where you are sure they aren't like the freezer or refrigerator. Many items are lost when we look for something but we forget about it. then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and are eager to get home, put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You find that your keys to your car are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are overly packed. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another popular hiding spot. If you choose to do this, make sure that you can open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar might be able see you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You can also put your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly as you may accidentally crush them when you shut the door.

4. Call the police

We are prone to get lost when we are distracted. You could be on the run for a few minutes and you have put your keys on the seat, or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of food items. Whatever the reason, it happens to everyone.

If you have lost something, it's important to notify the police right away. This way, you can submit a claim and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is crucial in the event that you have lost your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.

Be sure to retrace all of your steps before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last saw them. It is also recommended to inquire of others in the vicinity whether they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from using it. (This could lead to additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have a spare car key to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's normal for people to forget where they've put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are, however, some ways you can help.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places you believe they may be. If you're unable to find them, try checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys in their visors or on the keychain.

Lastly, call a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do contact a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a massive impact on your day. It could be because you were running an errand and accidentally left keys on the floor or maybe you set your key down for a moment to grab something but lost track of it.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will create a paper trail and will help prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. This can also help you avoid getting fined.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to call your agent and confirm that you're covered before filing an insurance claim.

Think about investing in the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes you can lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You might be on the run and forget to put them down on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after a long day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app on the phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow other users to assist you in finding them in case your keys aren't in reach.

You can also prevent losing your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. Whether it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to locate them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys lost replacement keys or if they're stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you own a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can get a replacement at any hardware store or locksmith. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

It could be more difficult for vehicles with smart keys and require an electronic fob. You'll likely need go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. Depending on the model and make of your vehicle, this could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you lose things.