What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
The loss of your car keys could be one of the most difficult experiences you endure. In the chaos of school pick ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things often get lost.
The most important thing to keep in mind is not to be in a panic. Retracing your steps and searching for a long time will often lead to finding the most crucial element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's not a secret that keys are the most commonly misplaced items. It could happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, unable to concentrate while getting out of your vehicle or even at home rushing to get ready for work and dropping your keys. If you've lost your car keys There are a few things you can do before calling a locksmith for assistance.
You'll need to repeat all of your steps. This can be a challenge in a panic mode However, it's essential to remember exactly where you last saw your keys and the places you visited following that. It can also be helpful to write down your steps so that you can refer back to them later on.
If you have searched in obvious places and still cannot find your keys, you might need to look in other places. Check the pockets or bags you've been carrying around during the day, and also your home. Keep in mind that your keys could be in close proximity They're just not in a convenient location. It may also be beneficial to locate your keys in the vicinity of other items they are typically associated with, such as laptops or purses.
If you've tried all of these options but are still unable to locate your keys, it might be time to contact an 24 hour locksmith to help. But before you do, try these suggestions to stop your keys from disappearing in the near future:
2. Find a spare key
Car keys have an uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or disappear completely. It was once easy to replace keys that were lost at any locksmith or hardware store. With the advent of key fob technology it is now much more difficult to replace lost keys.
For this reason, it's ideal to keep a spare key handy. You won't need to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your keys. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain, so that it isn't as easy to lose. If you don't have an extra key, think about getting one made to reduce the possibility of losing your keys.
It is common to have a traditional car key made by a locksmith, or at a dealership, based on the model of your car. It is important to note that the dealer might need to program the key for your specific vehicle.
Many modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using a remote control. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only method to get your car running once more is to visit the locksmith or dealer and let them pair a new fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, try to keep a routine of place your keys in the same location each time you return home. Whether it's in the entry table, the bowl on your front porch or even a hook by the door, it will make it easier to remember where they are and where you can find them in the future.
3. Empty your Pockets
It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. If you dropped them in the rush to get out of the house or your little ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can make you feel anxious and insecure.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and could cause it to become worse. Keep calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys in the quickest time possible.
Begin by going back through your day and remembering where you had them last. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to search all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also go back through your steps to determine whether you've found them anywhere else. You can also check your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior.
If you've tried everything and can't locate your car keys, then it's time for more advanced searches. This could include searching in the fridge and freezer for your keys. You'll need to open and close each of these appliances and look around the inside, as you never know where small items might have been hidden.
Another way to prevent losing your car keys is to tie them to a long lanyard or chain. This will allow you to keep track of them, as well as making them harder to lose because of the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright color so that they are noticeable against other items in your handbag or pocket.
4. Call the police
It's evident that the first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is to contact the police. Reporting the keys missing from your car immediately is important to ensure that you do not have to worry about someone using your car or even getting into your home. Reporting your loss early will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.
They'll tell you if they have found your keys or if they have been taken when you call them. They'll also give you some tips on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If take a look at the site here aren't found, they'll likely request you to provide details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior the incident occurred.
If you have an old-school metal key that doesn't operate electronically, the first thing to do is to check your bags, pockets, and any other places you normally carry them. Once you've done this then go back through your day and try to recall where you lost the keys. It's possible you put them down on a counter or went into your bag to find something, and keys dropped out.
If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it will need to be paired with the car, which can only be done at the dealership. This can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the brand and model of your vehicle. You can also call emergency roadside service from GEICO, always available through the GEICO mobile app. This service will save your time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Contact a locksmith
If you put your keys in the trunk while doing errands, they can quickly disappear. This is a scenario that plays out all too often, as keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. Unfortunately, you can't always stop this from occurring. However, you can take steps to lessen the chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea however, it isn't a guarantee that you will not lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device will assist you in finding your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects the signal of your lost keys, making it easier to find.
If you're unable to locate your car keys you should contact a locksmith to come out and replace them. The locksmith will be able make a new key for you as long as you have proof that you are the owner, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Keys that are traditional are the most straightforward to replace. If you have a remote key fob, or smart key, you'll have to call your dealer to have one made. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make certain to verify whether the key you purchase can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.
lost car keys replacement of your car keys can be a stressful event however it doesn't have to be. By following the tips listed above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Remember to stay calm and don't get in a panic! Keep in mind that you're not all on your own. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.