What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. Things are often lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.

The most important thing to keep in mind is to not panic. Finding the key is usually repeating your steps.

1. Retract Your Steps

It's no secret that keys are one of the most frequently used items to misplace. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day, and then drop keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith for help.

You'll need to repeat all your steps. It can be difficult to remember where you were when you last looked at your keys, and where you went afterward. You may find it helpful to write down the steps you took so that you can search them later.

If you've retraced your steps and still can't find your car keys, it could be time to look in more obvious locations. Be sure to check your bags or pockets that you've been carrying around during the day, and in your home. Remember that your keys will likely be in close proximity - they're just not in a convenient location. It could also be helpful to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they're typically connected to, such as a laptop or purse.

If you've tried all the options and still can't find your keys, it may be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. Before you call a locksmith, make sure you follow these suggestions to prevent your keys from disappearing once more.

2. Find an extra key

Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or just disappear completely. It used to be easy to replace keys that were lost at any hardware or locksmith store. With the advent of key fob technology it is now much more difficult to replace I lost My keys keys.

For this reason, it's ideal to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key will prevent you from having to call a tow truck, and will make getting your vehicle back losing your key much easier. It's best to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain to ensure it's less likely to lose. If you don't have a spare key, consider making one to decrease the chances of losing your keys.

You can usually have a traditional car key made by a locksmith, or at a dealership, based on the car's model. It is important to keep in mind that the dealer needs to program your key to fit your vehicle.

A majority of modern cars come equipped with a keyless entry system that allows you to unlock the car with a remote control device. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only way to get your car running again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and ask them to pair a new fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the exact same place every when you get home. If it's on the entry table or the bowl on your front porch, or even a hook on the door, it will make it easier to remember where they are and how you can find them in the future.

3. Empty your pockets

The loss of your car keys is an awful feeling. Whether you lost keys in the rush to leave the house, or your young ones hid them under the couch to play hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can make you feel frantic and insecure.

Luckily, panicking will not aid you in finding your keys - and it may even make things worse. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to solve your issue as fast as possible.

Begin by reminiscing about your day and recollecting the last spot you visited them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, be sure to search all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've seen them in any other places. You can also look over your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.

If you have searched everywhere and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time to do more advanced searches. This includes looking in the freezer and fridge to find your keys. You will have to shut and open both appliances and feel inside as you may find small items.

Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is a excellent way to avoid losing them. 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. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright colour.

4. Call the Police

It's evident that the first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is to call the police. It's important to report your lost car keys with no spare car keys as soon as you lose them so that you don't have any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. Notifying your loss in time can also be beneficial in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.

They'll be able to let you know if they've discovered your keys or if they have been stolen when you contact them. They'll also provide advice on preventative steps to take. If your keys haven't yet been discovered, they'll likely ask you to give details of the time you lost them and what you were doing prior that happened.

If you have an old-school metal key that isn't working electronically the first thing you should do is to check your bags, pockets and anywhere else you normally carry them. Once you've done this then go back through your day and try to recall where you lost keys. You might have tossed them on a table or your bag after reaching for something.

If you own a transponder key that works electronically, it'll need to be connected to your car, which can only be done by a dealership. This can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, based on the brand and model of your car. You can also call emergency roadside assistance from GEICO and is available 24/7 on the GEICO mobile app. This service could save you time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.

5. Contact a locksmith

If you put your keys in your trunk while making errands, they could easily disappear. This scenario is all too common, as lost keys are the most misplaced item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you cannot always prevent this from occurring. You can, however, take steps to lessen your chances of losing them.

A spare key is a good idea but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will aid in finding your keys in the event that they get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal of your lost keys, making it easier to find.

If you can't locate the keys to your car, contact a locksmith who will come and replace them. If you can provide proof of ownership, for example the title or registration of your vehicle A locksmith can create keys for you.

Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, however if you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific car.

Losing your car key can be stressful However, it doesn't need 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! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.