What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys Losing your car keys can be among the most difficult experiences you endure. In the shuffle of school pick ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things sometimes are lost or misplaced. Be sure not to panic. Making a note of your steps and searching thoroughly will usually result in finding the most crucial element. 1. Retract Your Steps It's not a secret that keys are one of the most frequently used items to misplace. It can happen to anyone, whether you're running an errand, unable to concentrate while getting out of your vehicle, or at home, rushing to get ready for work and dropping your keys. If you've lost keys to your car There are a few things you can try before calling a locksmith for assistance. You'll need to retrace every step. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last viewed your keys, and also where you went afterwards. It may be useful to write down the steps you did so that you can search them later. If you have searched in the most obvious places but can't locate your keys you may need to look in other places. Make sure you look in any pockets or bags that you've been wearing throughout the day, as well as your house. Remember that your keys will likely be somewhere close by but they're not in an obvious place. You can also locate your keys by looking near other items they are usually associated with such as bags, laptops, or a wallet. If you have tried every option but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time for an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. Before you call a locksmith, try these tips to keep your keys from disappearing once more. 2. Find an extra key It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats and couch cushions, or simply by themselves. In the past it wasn't a big deal since it was easy to find an additional key from any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in the field of key fob technology, it's become much more difficult to obtain an alternative for keys that have been lost. For this reason, it's best to keep a spare key in your car. A spare key can save you from calling a tow truck and will help you get your vehicle back if you happen to losing your key a lot easier. It is recommended to keep the spare key in a different place than your usual keychain, so it's not as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, consider making one to decrease 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 keep in mind that the dealer will need to program the key to fit the vehicle you are driving. Many modern cars are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using remote controls. This is also referred to as a fob. If you lose your fob, the only way to start your car again is to visit the locksmith or dealer and let them connect a new fob to your vehicle. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the same spot every when you get home. If it's on the entry table, the bowl on your front porch, or even a hook near the door, it will aid in remembering the location of your keys and where you can find them in the future. 3. Empty your pockets Losing your car keys is a terrible feeling. You may feel helpless and anxious if you've lost your car keys. Panicking won't solve your problem and could cause it to become worse. Keep calm and use the steps listed below to locate your keys as quickly as you can. Begin by thinking about your day and remembering the last place you visited them. Go through all your bags and pockets if you recall that they were in your wallet. You can also go through the steps you followed to see whether they were located anywhere other than your pocket. You could also examine your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the exterior and the interior. If you've tried everything else and aren't able to locate your car keys It's time to move on to more sophisticated searches. You can also look in your fridge and freezer. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where small items might have been hidden. Another excellent method to avoid losing your car keys is to connect them to a long lanyard or chain. This will help you keep track of them, as well as making them more difficult to misplace due to the sound they make and the length of the chain or lanyard. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright colour. 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 lost car keys immediately is essential to ensure that you don't need to worry about someone using your car or even getting into your home. Reporting your loss early can also benefit you in terms insurance coverage, as the majority of policies cover locksmith fees and even replacement keys from dealerships. They will be able inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they've been stolen when you contact them. They'll also give you advice on the steps you can take. If your keys haven't been found, they'll likely request you to give details of the date you lost them as well as what you were doing prior that happened. If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically, the first thing to do is to look in your bags, pockets and wherever else you typically carry them. After you've examined your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry them, you should go back in time to remember the date you lost the keys. You may have dropped them on a table or in your bag after reaching for something. If you own a transponder key that operates electronically, it will need to be linked to the car, which can only be done at the dealership. It could cost several hundred dollars, depending on your car's brand and model. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available via the GEICO mobile app. This service could save your time and money by providing an emergency locksmith on the move for you. 5. Contact a locksmith When you're running errands and you put your car keys in your trunk for a moment and they'll be gone. This scenario is frequent, considering that keys are the most misplaced item among Americans1. Unfortunately, you cannot always stop this from happening. However, you can make steps to lessen your chance of losing them. A spare key can assist, but it can't guarantee that you won't lose the original. A keychain with a tracking device can help you locate your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone whenever it detects a signal from the key you lost and makes it easier to find. If you can't locate your car keys, call a locksmith who will come and replace them. If you can provide evidence of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith can create keys for you. Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, however when you have an electronic key or a remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make sure to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed to your specific car. The loss of your car keys can be stressful However, it doesn't have to be. By following the tips that are listed above, you will be able to recover your keys and get back on the road. Keep calm and do not be in a panic! Be aware that you aren't alone. Everyone has lost their keys at one point in time.
lost car keys
