What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be a hassle to lose your car keys. In the chaos of school pick ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things can get lost.
Be sure not to panic. Retracing your steps and searching 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 common objects that get lost. It could happen to anyone, no matter if you're running an errand, unable to concentrate when you get out of your car or at home hurrying to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are some things you can do prior to calling a locksmith in case you've lost your keys.
First, you'll want to go back and trace your steps. It isn't easy to remember where you were when you last looked at your keys, and also where you went afterwards. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-lost-car-keys-near-me/ may be useful to write down the steps you completed to be able to search them later.
If you've tried retracing your steps and are still unable to locate your car keys, it might be time to begin looking in more obvious locations. Make sure you look in your bags or pockets that you've worn throughout the day, and also your house. Keep in mind that your keys could be close by but they're not in a visible spot. You can also locate your keys by looking around other items that they are typically paired with, such as the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've tried everything but still cannot find your keys, then it's time for an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. But before you do, try these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing in the future.
2. Get a spare key
It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions just by themselves. It used to be easy to replace a lost key at any hardware or locksmith store. But with advances in key fob technology it's becoming more difficult to get a replacement for lost keys.
It is recommended to always have an extra car key on hand. A spare key can save you from calling an tow truck and help you get your vehicle back in the event of losing your keys much more simple. It's best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain so that it's not as easy to lose. Consider getting a spare made in case you don't have one. This will lower the chance of losing your keys.
It is common to have a traditional car key made at a locksmith or at a dealership, depending on the model of your car. It is crucial to remember that the dealer needs to program your key to match your vehicle.
A lot of modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that lets you unlock your car using the remote control device. If you lose the fob, the only way to get it back is to visit the locksmith or dealer to help them pair the replacement fob with your vehicle. Make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot each when you return home. It could be in the entry table or an empty bowl on your front porch or even a hook by the door, it can make it easier to remember where they are and where to find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
It's a horrible feeling to lose your car keys. Whether you lost them in the rush to leave the house, or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-andseek, losing your car keys can make you feel frantic and helpless.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may even cause it to get worse. Keep calm and use the steps below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.
Begin by reviewing your day and remembering where you last saw them. If you recall 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 in any other places. You could also examine your car, but you will have to thoroughly search the exterior and the interior.
If you have searched everywhere else but still can't find your car keys, it's time for more advanced searches. You can also search your fridge and freezer. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where small objects might be hiding.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to attach them to a lanyard that is long or a chain. This will make it easier to find keys because they're more noticeable and longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright shade to make them are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Contact the police
The first step following losing your keys is to call the police. It is crucial to report your lost car keys as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't face any issues with someone using your vehicle or coming into your home. Notifying your loss in time can also be beneficial in terms insurance coverage, since the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from the dealership.
If you contact the police and they'll inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been taken. They'll also give you advice on some preventative steps to take. If your keys haven't yet been found, they'll likely ask you to provide details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing before that happened.
Check your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. After you've done that, walk back through your day and try to recall the place you lost keys. You might have dropped them on a table, or in your bag after reaching for something.
This is only done by a dealer if you have a transponder working electronically. This can cost several hundreds of dollars, based on your car's brand and model. You can also contact GEICO for assistance in an emergency, which is always available via the GEICO app. This service can save your time and money by offering a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you place your keys in the trunk while doing errands, they can quickly disappear. This scenario is all too common, as lost keys are the 3rd most lost item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you can't always prevent this from occurring. However, you can make steps to lessen the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not guarantee that you won't lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain could assist you in finding your keys if they do get lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects a signal from your key that has been lost and makes it easier to find.
If you are unable to locate the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will visit and replace the keys. If you can provide proof 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 have an intelligent key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealership to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make sure to check to see whether the key you buy can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be stressful however it doesn't have to be. You can get your keys back by following the tips above. Remember to stay calm and not get in a panic! The most important thing to keep in mind is that you're not alone Every car owner loses keys at some point.