10 Websites To Help You Become An Expert In Lost Car Key
What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be quite frustrating to lose your car keys. Things could get lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery trips and other chores.
Remember to not panic. Finding the key is usually retracing your steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are among the most commonly misplaced objects. It can happen to anyone, whether you're on an errand, distracted while getting out of your vehicle or at home hurrying to get ready for work and dropping your keys. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll need to retrace all of your steps. This can be a challenge in a panic mode However, it's essential to keep track of exactly where you last saw your keys and the places you went after that. replace a lost car key may find it beneficial to record the steps you took so that you can look them up later.
If you've tried retracing your steps and are still unable to locate your car keys, it may be time to begin looking in more obvious places. Check your bags or pockets that you've worn during the day, and in your house. Remember that your keys will likely be somewhere close by but they're not in a convenient location. You can also locate your keys by looking near other items they are usually paired with like a laptop, purse or wallet.
If you have tried every option but still cannot find your keys, then it's time to call for an emergency locksmith who is available 24 hours per day. Before calling a locksmith, try these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.
2. Find a spare key
It is not uncommon for car keys to disappear from coat pockets and couch cushions, or simply by themselves. It used to be easy to replace keys lost at any hardware or locksmith store. With the advent of key fob technology it is now much more difficult to replace lost keys.
This is why it's recommended to keep a spare key in your car. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck and will make getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your key a lot more simple. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different place than your usual keychain, to ensure that it's not misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider making one to decrease the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own you may be able to have traditional keys made by a locksmith or dealership. However, it is important to remember that the dealer might need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that let you unlock your car with the remote control. If you lose your fob, your only option is to go to the dealer or locksmith to have them connect a replacement fob with your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, try to establish a routine to place your keys in the same place each time you return home. If it's on the entry table or a bowl on your front porch, or even a hook near the door, it can help you remember where they are and how to find them in the future.
3. Empty your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. Whether you dropped keys in the rush to get out of the house, or your young ones kept them on the couch to play hide-and-seek, losing your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and insecure.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may even cause it to get worse. Keep calm and follow the steps below to find your keys as quickly as you can.
Start by thinking back to your day and remembering the last time you saw them. Examine all of your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also repeat your steps to see whether you've found them elsewhere. You can also check your car to see whether they've been discarded however you'll have to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the vehicle.
If you've tried everything else and aren't able to find your lost car keys then it's time to start more advanced searches. You can also search in your fridge and freezer. You will need to open and shut both appliances and feel inside to see if you can find small things.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing them. This makes it easier to locate keys because they're more noticeable and longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright color so that they are noticeable against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Call the Police
It's evident that the first thing you should do after losing your car keys is call the police. Reporting the lost keys to the police immediately is crucial to ensure that you don't have to worry about someone using your car or even getting into your home. The early reporting of your loss can also benefit you in terms of insurance coverage as the majority of policies cover locksmith expenses and even replacement keys from dealerships.
When you call the police, they'll be able to inform you whether your keys were found by people or have been stolen. They'll also give you some tips on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If they can't locate your keys they'll likely request information about when you lost them, and where you were prior to that.
Examine your bags, pockets and other places where you typically carry the key. After that then go back through your day and try to remember the place you lost them. You might have tossed them on a table or your bag while reaching for something.
This is only done by the dealer if you have a transponder that functions electronically. It can cost a couple of hundred dollars or more, based on the make and model of your car. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO which is always accessible on the GEICO mobile app. This service could save your time and money by offering an emergency locksmith on the move for you.
5. Contact a Locksmith
If you're out running errands and you put your keys to your car in the trunk for just a second and they'll be gone. This scenario occurs often, since keys to cars that are lost are the third most lost item in America1. It's impossible to stop this from happening every day. However, you can take steps to lessen the chances of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, however, it isn't a ensure that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain can help you locate your keys in the event they disappear. A tracking device will send an alert to your smartphone when it detects the signal from your lost keys, making it easier to locate.
If you are unable to locate the keys to your car, contact locksmiths who will visit and replace the keys. The locksmith can create a new key for you, provided that you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle, such as your vehicle's title or registration.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, however if you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealer to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make certain to verify if the key you purchase can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
Losing your car keys could be a stressful event However, it isn't necessary to be. By following the tips that are listed above, you will be able to retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Be 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.