Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

No matter how well-organized you are, there comes a time when you lose your car keys. It's important to be prepared for this scenario.

Depending on your vehicle, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. They can design an appropriate replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things that are more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can make your day miserable, cause lots of stress and can even result in unsavory calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that could happen to anyone regardless of how well organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they appear exactly where you left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However the situation could be much more serious. If you lose your keys, it's crucial to be calm and not panic. You can then retrace the steps.

It's important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear forever, and they are often found in some very unusual locations. Before taking drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a friend to help you search for items, because a second pair of eyes can be very helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining places you've used such as key hooks, check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently were wearing 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've noticed something different.

Examining your bags and Lost My Car Keys pockets for keys that are missing might seem like common sense but it is important to do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, even those on jackets and purses. Feel around all zippered areas. You should also check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.

It might be beneficial to go through your steps again and look for places you are sure they aren't like the fridge or freezer. Many things are lost when we reach for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a long day and you're eager to get home, put on your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and watch your favorite show. You realize that your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are overly filled with. It's also common to lose your keys in a crowded spot such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these places.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves could be able to spot you hiding your keys beneath your car.

You might also try hiding your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be careful not to put them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

We can get lost when we are distracted. You may be running a quick errand and put your keys in the seat, or you may need two free hands to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to everyone.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you can submit a claim and help protect your vehicle from thieves. This is particularly important if your keys are lost outside of your house, at the store, or somewhere else public.

Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last looked at your keys in your head. It is also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will keep your car secure and prevent others from stealing it. (This could result in additional costs, such as the purchase of new locks for doors and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always a good idea to make an exact copy of it in case this occurs again.

5. Contact a locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, particularly when they are distracted or in a rush. There are some ways you can aid.

Retrace the steps you've already taken and then searching for the locations where you think they might have been left. If you still can't find them, look in the car. It's not uncommon for people to leave their keys in the visor or on the keychain.

Lastly, call locksmiths to see if they can help you find your keys that have disappeared. They might be able to make you a new key or even change the locks on your home if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to provide proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your vehicle's registration or title. Based on the circumstances you may have to wait for a new key from the dealership which could take a few days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

You may lose your car keys from time to time and it could ruin your day. You might have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.

It is important to report a lost key as soon as possible to the police. This will create a paper trail and will help keep other people from using your vehicle without permission. This will also allow you to avoid being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost keys to car to the police, your homeowner's insurance may be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's still best to talk to your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an claim.

Consider keeping an extra key, or purchasing a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or the many other options available. This will save you from having to go through the stress of a car key replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

It is possible to lose your keys at any time. You could be on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long workday and forget where you placed the keys.

There are ways to stop this happening again. One of the best is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices are connected to your wallet or keyring and can be connected to an app on your phone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to help find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other users to assist you in locating them if your keys aren't in reach.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by placing them in the same place every time you arrive home. It doesn't matter if you put them in a bowl on the entry table or an iron by the door. Making this a habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away if you lose your keys to your car, or Lost My Car Keys if they are stolen. You can be assured that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the car in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key it is easy to purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is usually the quickest and least expensive alternative.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. You will likely have go to the local dealership and provide proof of ownership to get an entirely new key. This could cost you up to $200 based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office especially in areas where you tend to lose things.