What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most difficult experiences you experience. In the chaos of school pick ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often get lost.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to be in a panic. Finding the key is usually repeating your steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among of the most frequently used objects that get lost. It is a possibility for anyone, whether you're on an adventure, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or even at home hurrying 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 a challenge when you're in a panic however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you visited following that. You may find it useful to write down the steps you did so that you can look them up later.
If you've tried searching in the most obvious places but cannot find your keys, you may need to look elsewhere. Check your bags or pockets that you've worn throughout the day, and in your home. Keep in mind that your keys will likely be close by They're just not in an obvious place. You can also locate your keys by examining other items they're typically paired with, such as a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you have tried all these options but still cannot find your keys, it's time to contact an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. But before you call, consider some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the future:
2. Find a spare key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear from pockets of coats, under couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. It was once simple to replace keys that were lost at any hardware or locksmith store. But with advances in technology for key fobs it's now much more difficult to find the replacement keys for keys lost.
It's best to always keep an extra car key in your side. You won't need to call a tow truck and will be able to get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different spot than your normal keychain so that it isn't as easily misplaced. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't already have one. This will decrease the possibility of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle you may be able to have a traditional key made by a locksmith or a dealership. It is important to note that the dealer might need to program the key for your particular vehicle.
Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using a remote control. Full File is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only way to get your car running again is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and let them pair a new fob with your car. To prevent this from happening, try to keep a routine of place your keys in the same location every time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or in the entry table.
3. Empty your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. Whether you dropped keys in the rush to leave the house, or your young ones kept them on the couch to play hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can make you feel anxious and overwhelmed.
Luckily, panicking won't aid you in finding your keys. In fact, it could cause more problems. Be calm and use the steps listed below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.
Begin by reminiscing about your day and recalling the last place you were when you last saw them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, be sure to check all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also retrace the steps you took to see if they were found anywhere else. You can also look over your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and interior.
If you've tried everything and can't locate your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This could include searching in the fridge and freezer for your keys. You will need to open and shut each appliance and look inside to see if you can find small items.
Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to tie them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will make it easier to locate them since they're more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by applying a bright hue.
4. Call the Police
The first step following losing your keys is to contact the police. Reporting your keys missing from your car immediately is crucial to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone using your car or even entering your home. Besides, reporting your loss at an early stage can also benefit you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
If you contact the police, they'll be able to inform you if your keys have been discovered by someone or have been taken. They'll also offer some tips on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found, they'll likely request you to provide details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior the incident occurred.
Check your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry the key. Once you've done this, walk back through your day and try to remember where you lost them. It's possible that you put them on a counter, or went into your bag to find something and the keys dropped out.
This can only be performed by the dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. This can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the brand and model. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency that is available 24/7 through the GEICO app. This service could save you time and money by providing an on-the-go locksmith service for you.
5. Call a Locksmith
When you're on the run and put your car keys in the trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This scenario is common, since keys are the 3rd most lost item in the United States1. Unfortunately, look here can't always prevent this from happening. However, you can take steps to minimize your chance of losing them.
Having a spare key can help, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could assist you in finding your keys if they do get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your lost keys, making 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 create a new key on behalf of you as long as you can prove that you are the owner, like your vehicle's title or registration.
Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, however if you have an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but be sure to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific car.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful, but it does not have to be. If you follow the suggestions that are listed above, you will be able to recover your keys and get back on the road. Be sure to remain calm and don't get stressed! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.