Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do
Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how organized you are. When g28carkeys.co.uk happens, it's important to be prepared.
Depending on your vehicle, the first call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.
1. Retract your steps
There are few things more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, create anxiety and even lead you to receive unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are a meticulously organized person or not the loss of your keys can occur to anyone.
The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). However, the situation can often be much more grave. It is essential to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.
It is important to remember that the majority of things don't go missing forever, and they're often found in unusual places. Therefore, before you resort to extreme measures it's best to revisit your steps and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark areas and drawers. You could also ask a friend or family member to help you search to help you, as a second set of eyes is often helpful.
2. Check the Inside
If you haven't found your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, look for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or wore recently. If you lost them in the store, ask employees or customers to see if they have noticed anything unusual.
It may appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for your missing car keys, but it's important to do so thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Examine every zippered area. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have been snatched from your bag.
It may be helpful to retrace your steps once again and look for places you know they're not, such as the freezer or refrigerator. Many times, items are lost when we try to find them but knock them off and forget about them.
3. Check the Outside
You've put in the hours and are now ready to go home, put on your comfortable sweats, eat pizza and binge on your favorite TV show. You realize that the keys to your car have disappeared.
Examine desks and pockets that are filled with. You may also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the door handle or in the refrigerator.
Another popular place to hide is under the car. However, if you do this make sure you open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys under the car.
You can also hide your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Make sure you don't place them too tight as you might accidentally smash them when you shut the door of your car.
4. Contact the police
We are prone to lose things when we're distracted. You could be running an errand and have your keys on the seat or you might require two hands to grab a bag full of groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to all.
When you lose something, it is important to contact the police away. This way, you will be able to file a report and help keep your car safe from thieves. This is crucial when you lose your keys outside your home, at the shop or any other place in public.
Be sure to retrace every step before you begin. Try to be your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the last time you saw them. Asking other people around you if they've seen your keys is a good idea. This will help to keep your car safe and prevent others from using it (which could lead to additional expenses like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have an extra car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.
5. Call an expert locksmith
It's not uncommon for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are a few basic tips you can use to help.
Retrace your steps and searching the places you think you may have abandoned them. If you are still unable to locate them, check the car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor, so it's worth having a quick look.
Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they have your keys. They may be able cut you a brand new key or even alter your locks if required. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.
If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership, which could take a few days.
6. Contact Your Insurance Agent
There are times when you're unable to locate your car keys, and it can put a massive damper on your day. It could be because you were running a quick run and forgot to put them on the seat or perhaps you put your key down for a second to grab something and lost track of it.
It is important to report lost keys as soon as possible to the police. This creates a paper trail and can keep people from using your vehicle without your permission. This will also help you avoid getting punished.
Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to filing an insurance claim.
Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, AirTags, or any of the other options available. This will help you avoid the stress of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys within reach.
7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker
Keys can be lost at any time. You might 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 can't remember where you put them.
Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. The best method to prevent this is by using a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. Once you open the app it will ring or flash to help you find your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions, so that other people can help you locate them if you are lost.
You can also avoid losing your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. It doesn't matter if you place them in an table in the entryway or on a hook near the door. Making this routine a habit will make it easier to find your keys in the future.
8. Get a New Key
If you've lost your vehicle keys or they've been stolen the most important thing to do is to notify your insurance company right away. You can be assured that your claim will get dealt with properly in the event of any damage to the vehicle in the future.
If you already have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable option.
For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it could be a little more difficult. It is likely that you will need 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 model and make of your car.
To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key to keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office, especially the place where you tend to lose things.