Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. It's crucial to be prepared for this situation.
Based on the model of your car the first call you must make is to an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more frustrating than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create lots of stress and even trigger unwanted calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that can happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.
The best case scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the case). But, in reality, things tend to take a darker turn. It is important to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.
Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's a good idea to carry a flashlight to help you find dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.
2. Check the Inside
If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing steps and examining common areas like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets that you have recently worn or used. If you lost them in the store, ask others who are customers or employees to determine if they saw anything unusual.
Checking your pockets and bags for missing keys may appear obvious, but you should do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Check all zippered areas. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.
It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and search places where you know they're not like the fridge or freezer. Many times, items are lost when we go to them, but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and watch your favorite show. Unfortunately, you realize your car keys have disappeared.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. You could also leave your keys in a crowded space, like the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Under the car is another popular hiding spot. However, if you do this make sure you can remove the gas cap outside your car as thieves can easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.
You can also hide your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.
4. Call the Police
Sometimes, we forget things because we are just a bit distracted. You could be on the run for a few minutes and have your keys on the seat, or you might just require two hands free to carry a load of groceries. It happens to all of us.
It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside your home or at the store or somewhere else public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the last time you seen them. Asking other people around you whether they've seen your keys is also a excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from stealing it. (This could lead to additional expenses such as new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea, if you have an extra car key to duplicate it in case you lose it again.
5. Contact a Locksmith
It's common for people to lose track of where they have put their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. There are a few simple things you can try to help.
Begin by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're still unable to locate them, try looking inside the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor It's a good idea to take having a quick look.
Finally, contact an locksmith to find out if they can help you find your lost keys. They might be able to make you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Make sure you have proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
You may lose your keys to your car at times and it could cause you to lose your day. It could be that you were running an run and forgot to put keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down for a moment to grab something but lost the track of it.
It's important to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This creates a paper trail and will help keep other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid being punished.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. However, it's best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered before you file an claim.
Think about purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always in reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
You can lose your keys at any moment. related web-site might be out for a quick errand and you forget to place them on the seat, or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to avoid this from happening again. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be affixed to a keyring or wallet and can connect to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will sound or flash to assist you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in finding the keys if they aren't in range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same spot every time you come home. Whether it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, establishing a habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.
8. Get a New Key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. This way, you can rest sure that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you own a standard key (which does not have a chip) you can get an alternative from any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and cheapest option.
It could be more difficult for cars with a smart key and require an electronic fob. You will need to visit your local dealer to purchase a new key. This can cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. Cleaning out your office or home is also a great idea, particularly in areas where you're likely to lose things.