11 Ways To Totally Defy Your Lost Car Key
What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be among the most frustrating experiences you can have. Things are often lost in the rush of school pick-ups, grocery visits, and other chores.
Be sure not to panic. Finding the key usually involves going back to your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are one of the most common items to misplace. Whether car keys lost running an errand and get distracted while getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to prepare for the day and forget keys in a hurry It can happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys There are a few things you can try before calling a locksmith for help.
You'll need to repeat all of your steps. This can be a challenge in a panic mode however, it's crucial 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 note down your steps, to be able to be able to refer back to them later on.
If you've searched in the most obvious places but cannot find your keys, you might need to look elsewhere. Examine your purses and pockets and the home. Keep in mind that your keys will likely be in close proximity but they're not in an obvious place. You can also find your keys by looking around other items they're usually paired with like a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you have tried every option but are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a 24-hour emergency locksmith. But before you do, try some of these tips to avoid your keys disappearing in the near future:
2. Get an extra key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or plain vanish altogether. At one time this wasn't a huge problem since it was easy to obtain a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in technology for key fobs it's becoming more difficult to obtain the replacement keys for keys lost.
For this reason, it's ideal to keep a spare key on hand. A spare key will save you from having to call an tow truck and make getting your vehicle back losing your keys much simpler. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your normal keychain to ensure that it's not lost. If you don't have an extra key, think about getting one made to reduce the possibility of losing your keys.
You can usually have a traditional car key made at a locksmith or at a dealership, based on the model of your car. It is important to remember that the dealer will need to program your key to match the vehicle you are driving.
A majority of modern cars come equipped with keyless entry systems that allows you to unlock the car using a remote control device. If you lose the fob, the only way to get it back is to go to the locksmith or dealer to help them connect an alternative fob to your vehicle. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot each when you return home. Whether it's in the entry table, the bowl on your front porch or even a hook near the door, it can aid in remembering where they are and how you can find them in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
Losing your car keys is an awful feeling. It can be a bit overwhelming and frantic if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking will not aid you in finding your keys. In fact, it may even make things worse. Instead, try to remain calm and follow the steps below to solve your problem as quickly as possible.
Begin by going back through your day and recollecting where you had them last. Check all your bags and pockets in case you remember they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to determine whether you've seen them in any other places. Finally, you can always check your car to see if they've been left there however you'll have to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of your vehicle.
If you've searched everywhere and can't locate your car keys, then it's time for more advanced searches. This could include searching in the freezer and fridge to find your keys. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances and feel around inside, as you never know where small items may have been hiding.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is another effective way to ensure you don't lose them. This will allow you to keep track of them, as well as making them more difficult to misplace because of the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.
4. Contact the police
It's obvious that the first thing you need to do after losing your car keys is to contact the police. It's important to report your lost car keys as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't run into problems with someone using your vehicle or coming into your home. Besides, reporting your loss early will also help you with regard to insurance coverage since the majority of policies will cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
When you call the police and they'll inform you if your keys have been discovered by someone or have been taken. They'll also give you advice on preventative steps to take. If your keys aren't found they'll probably ask you for details about when you lost them and where you were prior to that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry the key. After you've done that take a walk through your day and try to recall where you lost them. It's possible you put them down on a counter, or reached into your bag to get something and then keys fell out.
If you own transponder keys that operate electronically, it will need to be linked to the car and this can only be done at a dealership. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, depending on the model and brand of your car. You can also call emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available through the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by providing a mobile locksmith for you.
5. Contact a Locksmith
If you leave your keys in the trunk when making errands, they could easily disappear. This scenario plays out all too often, as keys missing from cars are the 3rd most lost item in America1. You can't prevent this from happening every day. However, you can take steps to reduce 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 can help you find your keys if they do become lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects an indication from your lost key which makes it much easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate your car keys you should contact locksmiths to come out and replace them. If you have evidence of ownership, such as the registration or title of your vehicle A locksmith will be able create a key for you.
The traditional keys are the easiest to replace. If you have an electronic remote key fob or smart key, you'll need to contact your dealer to get one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make certain to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be stressful However, it isn't necessary to be. You can retrieve your keys by following the tips above. Be sure to remain cool and calm. Don't get scared! Keep in mind that you're not alone. Everyone loses their keys at some time.