What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
Losing your car keys can be one of the most stressful experiences you have. In the shuffle of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things can get lost.
Be sure not to panic. Finding the key is usually going back to your steps.
1. Retract your steps
It's not a secret that keys are among the most frequently misplaced objects. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and you're distracted while getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to prepare for the day, and then drop your keys in a rush It can happen to anyone. If you've lost keys to your car There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith for assistance.
First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. This can be challenging in a panic mode however, it's crucial to remember exactly where you last saw your keys and the places you went following that. It might also be helpful to record your steps, so that you can be able to refer back to them later on.
If you've tried searching in the most obvious places but can't locate your keys you might need to look in different places. Be sure to check any pockets or bags that you've worn throughout the day, as well as your home. Remember that your keys could be somewhere nearby - just not in the place you'd think of. It may also be beneficial to search for your keys near any other items they're typically paired with, like a laptop or purse.
If you've gone through all the options and still can't find your keys, it could be time to contact a 24-hour locksmith for help. But before you do that, try these suggestions to avoid your keys disappearing in the future.
2. Find a spare key
It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from coat pockets, couch cushions or even simply by themselves. Once upon a time this wasn't a huge deal since it was easy to find an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology, it is now much more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.
It's best to always keep an extra car key in hand. You won't have to call a tow truck and will be able to easily get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your key. It's best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain so that it's less likely to lose. Consider purchasing a spare if you don't al read y have one. This will lower the chance 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 dealership. It is crucial to remember that the dealer needs to program your key to fit the vehicle you are driving.
A lot of modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car with a remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only method to get your car started once more is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and have them pair a new fob with your car. To avoid this from happening, establish a routine to keep your keys in the same location every time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. It can be a bit overwhelming and panicked if you lose your car keys.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may make it worse. Try to remain calm and use the steps below to find your keys as fast as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last time you saw them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, be sure to look through all of your bags and pockets thoroughly. You can also go back through your steps to determine if you've come across them in any other places. Finally, you can always check your car to see whether they've been abandoned there however, you'll need to thoroughly search the interior and exterior of your vehicle.
If you've checked everywhere else but are unable to locate your car keys that you lost It's time to start more sophisticated searches. This includes searching the freezer and fridge for your keys. You'll need to open and shut each appliance and look inside as you may find small objects.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to tie them to a long lanyard or chain. This makes it easier to locate them since they're more noticeable and longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright shade to make them are visible against other items in your bag or pocket.
4. Call the police
It's evident that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is call the police. It is crucial to report your lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them so that you don't face any issues with someone using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. In addition, reporting your loss at an early stage will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith costs and replacement keys at the dealership.
If you contact the police and they'll inform you whether your keys were discovered by people or been taken. They'll also advise you on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found, they will likely request information about the date you lost them and where you were prior to that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places where you normally carry the key. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry them, go back to the beginning of time to remember the date you lost keys. You might have dropped them on a table, or in your bag when you reached for something.
This can only be done by the dealer if have a transponder that works electronically. It can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the make and model of your car. You can also ring up emergency roadside service from GEICO, always available on the GEICO mobile app. This service will save you money and time by sending an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk when doing errands, they can quickly disappear. This is a scenario that occurs all too often, as lost car keys are the third most misplaced item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from occurring. However, you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
The use of a spare key may help, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will assist you in finding your keys in the event they get lost. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects a signal from your keys that have been lost which makes it easier to find.
If you are unable to locate your car keys, you should contact an locksmith to come and replace the keys. If you can provide proof of ownership, for example the registration or title of your vehicle A locksmith will be able create keys for you.
Keys that are traditional are the most simple to replace. If you have a remote key fob or smart key, you will have to call your dealer to have a replacement made. You can also buy replacement keys online, but make sure to check to see if the key you purchase can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
Losing your car keys can be stressful, but it isn't necessary to be. If you follow the steps listed above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Be sure to remain calm, and don't panic! Be aware that you aren't all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.