"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Lost My Car Keys
Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Whatever way you are, there will come the time that you'll have to lose your car keys. When this happens it's crucial to be prepared.
Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you must make is to a locksmith or a dealership. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract Your Steps
There are few things more difficult than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your day, create anxiety and even cause you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. The loss of your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.
The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, in reality, things can take a more dire turn. If you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.
Be lost auto key g28carkeys.co.uk that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to go back and look over your steps. In order to do this it's recommended to carry a flashlight with you to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You can also ask someone to assist you, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and examining places you've used like key hooks, examine the pockets, bags and jackets that you recently worn or used. If you've lost them in the store, talk to employees or customers to determine if they saw anything out of the ordinary.
It may seem obvious to look in your bags and pockets for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do it in a thorough manner. Empty all of the pockets you carry such as purses and jackets, and make sure to feel around every zippered area. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to see if your keys have disappeared from your bag.
You could also retrace your steps and search places you know the item is not, such as the fridge or freezer. Many times, items disappear when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home, put on your comfortable sweats, order pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You realize that your car keys are missing.
Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are overly cluttered. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or refrigerator.
Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to hide your keys under the car be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. Otherwise, thieves may be able to see you hiding your keys under your car.
You can also put your keys in a nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be sure that you don't secure them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.
4. Call the Police
It is easy to lose things when we're distracted. You may be running an errand and have your keys on the seat, or you might just need two free hands to pick up a bag of groceries. It happens to every person.
When you lose something, it's crucial to call the police right away. You can then make a police report to protect your car from theft. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.
Before you begin ensure that you retrace your steps. Recreate the scene from the time you last looked at your keys in your mind. Asking your friends and family whether they've seen your keys is another excellent idea. This will help keep your vehicle secure and prevent others from using it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make a copy of it in case something similar occurs again.
5. Contact a locksmith
People often forget where they put their keys, especially when they're stressed or distracted. There are some things you can do to help.
Retrace the steps you've already taken and searching for the areas in which you think they could have been left. If you're still unable to locate them, consider searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from their keychains or the visor and it's worth having a quick look.
Lastly, call a locksmith to find out if they can assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able cut keys for you or alter the locks if required. They also have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
When you do call a locksmith, be prepared to show proof of ownership for your vehicle. You can do this by using your vehicle's registration or title. It could take several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key, dependent on the circumstances.
6. Call Your Insurance Agent
There are times that you'll lose your car keys, and it can put a huge downer on your day. You could have been on an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have sat down to take a look at something and lost track.
Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will create a paper trail and can prevent others from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from getting penalized.
If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are insured prior to filing claims.
Think about buying a Bluetooth tracking device, such as Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the headache of replacing your car keys, and ensure that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be on the run and forget to put them down on the seat or may be getting out of your car after an extended day at work and you can't remember where you put them.
There are ways to stop this happening again. The best way to do this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will ring or flash when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow others to assist you in locating them if your keys aren't in reach.
Another excellent way to avoid losing your keys is to put them in the same spot every time you get home. If it's on the table in your entryway or on a hook near the door, keeping a habit of this will make finding them easier in the future.
8. Find a replacement key
It's important to notify your insurance company immediately when you lose your keys to your car, or if they are stolen. This way, you can rest at ease knowing that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase an additional one from any hardware or locksmith. This is typically the fastest and least expensive alternative.
It could be more difficult for cars equipped with an electronic key and an electronic fob. You'll likely need visit your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Depending on the model and make of your car this could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.
To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key in your possession and keep it somewhere else than your keys. It's also a good idea to declutter your office or home especially in areas that you tend to drop things.