What You Must Forget About Enhancing Your Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, regardless of how organized you are. It is important to be prepared for this eventuality.
Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. They can design an alternative key for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause a lot of anxiety and can even result in unpleasant calls from strangers. The loss of keys is a problem that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The best-case scenario would be that they return exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). In reality it is possible for the situation to be more serious. It is essential to stay calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Keep in mind that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be located in the most unlikely places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures, it's a good idea to retrace your steps and thoroughly search. To do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you find dark areas and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you for items, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently wore or used. If you lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they've noticed something unusual.
The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might appear obvious but it is important to be thorough. Clean your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You can also trace your steps and search places you know the item isn't, like the freezer or fridge. A lot of times, things go missing when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tough day and you're eager to get home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.
Examine desks and pockets that are overly packed. You may also leave your keys in a congested space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.
Another favorite place to hide your keys is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you can remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys.
You can also hide your keys in a corner in the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to place them too tightly because you may accidentally crush them when you close the door.
4. Contact the police
We can get lost when we are distracted. You might be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, or you might require two hands free to pick up a bag of food items. Whatever the reason it occurs to all.
If you lose something, it's important to call the police right away. This way, you will be able to make a report and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your home or at the store or in a public place.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene that you experienced the last time you looked at your keys in your mind. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is a excellent idea. This will keep your car safe and stop other people from using it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new ignition locks and door locks). lost keys car is a good idea should you have a spare car key, to duplicate it in the event that you lose it again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are a few actions you can take to help.
Begin by retracing your steps, and then searching for areas you think you might have abandoned them. If you're unable to find them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from their keychains or the visor, so it's worth taking a look.
Lastly, call locksmiths to find out if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They may be able to cut you a brand new key or even alter the locks on your home if needed. They also have the equipment and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do call locksmiths, be prepared to show proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on your situation you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take a number of days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are occasions when you're unable to locate your car keys and it can put a huge impact on your day. It could be because you were running an task and left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down to grab something and lost track of it.
It's important to report a lost key as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper trail and will help to stop other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police, your homeowner's insurance may cover them since they're considered personal property. But, it's advisable to speak with your agent to make sure you're covered before filing an claim.
Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the many other options available. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Sometimes you'll lose your keys at the time you least expect it. You could be out on an urgent errand, only to you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be leaving your car after a long workday and forget where you put the keys.
There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the future. One of the best ways is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it, to help you locate your keys. These Bluetooth trackers feature community features that allow others to help you locate them in case your keys aren't in reach.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to always keep them in the same place each time you arrive home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, establishing the habit will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
Whether you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing to do is to inform your insurance company right away. You can be assured that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have a standard (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.
For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You'll likely need go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an updated key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, keep a spare set of keys in a different place than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a good idea, especially in areas where you lose things.