What NOT To Do In The Lost My Car Keys Industry
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. In the event of this happening it is crucial to be prepared.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you should make is to a locksmith or a dealership. These experts can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract your Steps
There aren't many things more difficult than losing your car keys. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and can even result in unsavory phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they show up exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is always true). In reality, the situation can often be much more serious. It is important to remain calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It's important to remember that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very unusual locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is a good idea for you to go back and look over your steps. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to search with you to help you, as a second set of eyes can be helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys in a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they noticed something out of the ordinary.
Examining your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Empty your pockets, including the ones on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. It's also an excellent idea to go through the trash and recycling bins in case keys fell out of your bag and were crushed by something else.
It could be beneficial to go through your steps again and search places where you know they aren't like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost when we try to find them but then take them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've had a tiring day and are eager to get home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. You find that your car keys are missing.
While you're going through your steps take a look at areas that are overly cluttered like tabletops and desks and also the pockets of your clothes. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a congested area like on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you choose to do this, ensure that you open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves can easily spot you crouched under your car to hide your keys there.
You can also put your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the car door.
4. Contact the police
Sometimes, we get distracted and lose things because we're a bit distracted. You may be running an errand and you have put your keys in the seat, or you may require two hands free to carry a load of food items. It happens to everyone.
It is crucial to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then submit a police report in order to help protect your car from theft. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside of your house at the grocery store, or somewhere else public.
Before you begin ensure that you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene that you experienced when you last glimpsed your keys in your mind. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they've seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and stop others from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). If lost my car keys have a spare key it's recommended to create copies of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Call a Locksmith
Many people forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're stressed or distracted. There are a few basic tips you can use to assist.
Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, make sure you check your car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in their visors or on the keychain.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They might be able to cut keys or replace your locks, if necessary. They also have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.
Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. You may have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a replacement key, according to your particular situation.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
You might lose your car keys at times and it can ruin your day. It might be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the seat, or maybe you set your keys down to grab something and lost track of it.
It is crucial to report a lost key immediately to the police. This creates a paper trail and can keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. This also helps you avoid being fined.
Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to the local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent to confirm that you're covered prior to making a claim.
Think about purchasing a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will help you avoid going through the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing that your keys are always at hand.
7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker
It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You might be running an urgent errand, only to do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long day at work and not remember the place you put them.
There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best ways is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on your phone. When you open the app it will ring or flash to help you locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions so that other users can help you find them if they are not in range.
You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter whether you place them in an table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It is crucial to inform your insurance company immediately if you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. This way you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and cheapest option.
For cars that are more modern and have an electronic key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You'll have go to your local dealer to get a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200, based on the model and make of your vehicle.
To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you can't find things.