What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most difficult experiences you endure. In the chaos of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often get lost.
Don't be afraid to take a deep breath. The process of retracing your steps and looking for a long time will often lead to finding the most important element.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a secret that keys are among of the most popular items that are lost. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your vehicle, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day, and then drop your keys in a hurry it could happen to anyone. If you've lost keys to your car There are some options you can try before calling a locksmith for help.
First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic However, it's essential to keep track of exactly where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you went after that. It can also be helpful to record your steps, to be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you have searched in obvious places and still can't locate your keys you might need to look elsewhere. Check your pockets and bags and the house. Remember that your keys will likely be in close proximity - they're just not in a convenient location. You can also locate your keys by looking around other items they're typically paired with, such as bags, laptops, or a wallet.
If you've gone through all of these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it might be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you do, try these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing in the future:
2. Find a spare key
It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets and couch cushions, or just by themselves. In the past, this was no big problem since it was easy to obtain an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. However, with the advancements in the field of key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to get the replacement keys for keys lost.
It's ideal to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck, and will aid in getting your vehicle back losing your key a lot easier. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere else than your keychain, so that it isn't as easy to lose. Consider getting a spare made if you don't already have one. This will reduce the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the model of your vehicle you may be able to have a traditional key created by a locksmith or dealership. However, it is important to remember that the dealer may have to program the key for your particular vehicle.
A lot of modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car with the remote control. This is also known as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only solution 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 establish a routine to place your keys in the same spot every time you arrive home. You can place your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch or on the table in the entryway.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is an awful feeling. You may feel helpless and panicked if you lose your car keys.
Fortunately, panicking won't help you find your keys. It could cause more problems. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys as fast as you can.
Begin by thinking about your day and remembering the last spot you were when you last saw them. If you remember that they were in your pocket, make sure to check all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've found them anywhere else. You can also look over your car, but you will need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.
If you have searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, then it's time to conduct more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll need to shut and open each of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where tiny items might have been hidden.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another great way to prevent losing them. This makes it easier to locate keys because they're more noticeable and longer. It is also beneficial to place your keys in a bright shade so that they are visible against other items in your handbag or pocket.
4. Contact the police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. Notifying the police of your lost keys to the police immediately is important to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone else using your vehicle, or even getting into your home. Besides, reporting your loss at an early stage will also help you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys at the dealership.
When you call the police, they'll be able to inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been stolen. lost car key replacement 'll also offer some advice on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found they'll probably request information about when you lost them and where you were before that.
If you have an old-school metal key that isn't working electronically, the first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets, and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've checked your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, you should go back in time to try to recall the time you lost keys. You might have tossed them on a table, or in your bag while reaching for something.
If you own a transponder key that works electronically, it must be paired with the car, which can only be done at a dealership. It could cost several hundreds of dollars, based on the brand and model. You can also call GEICO for assistance in an emergency and is available via the GEICO app. This service could save your time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you place your keys in the trunk when doing errands, they can be easily lost. This scenario is all too frequent, considering that keys are the third-most misplaced item in the United States1. It's not possible to prevent this from happening constantly. You can, however, take steps to lessen your chances of losing them.
A spare key can help, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain could assist you 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 from your lost keys and makes it easier to locate.
If you can't locate the keys to your car, contact a locksmith who will come and replace them. If you have evidence of ownership, like the registration or title of your vehicle, a locksmith can create keys for you.
Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, but If you own a smart key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key specifically for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make sure to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful But it doesn't have to be. You can retrieve your keys by following these tips. Remember to stay calm and not be in a panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone Everyone loses their car keys at some point.