Lost Car Key Explained In Fewer Than 140 Characters
What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. Things are often lost in the shuffle between school pick-ups, grocery trips, and other chores.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to not get in a state of panic. Finding the key typically requires repeating your steps.
1. Retract your steps
It's no fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced objects. If you're on the run and are distracted when you're getting out of your car, or you're at home trying to get ready for the day and forget your keys in a rush it could happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys There are some options you can do before calling a locksmith for help.
You'll need to retrace every step. This can be a challenge in a state of panic, but it's important to remember exactly where you last seen your keys and the places that you went after that. It may also help to note down your steps, so that you can be able to refer back to them in the future.
If you've retraced your steps and still haven't found your car keys, it could be time to start looking at more obvious places. Make sure you look in any pockets or bags that you've been wearing throughout the day, as well as your home. Keep in mind that your keys will likely be in close proximity - they're just not in a visible spot. You can also search for your keys by examining other items that they are typically paired with, such as the laptop, purse or wallet.
If you've gone through all the options and you're still not able to locate your keys, it might be time to contact a 24-hour locksmith for help. Before calling a locksmith, make sure you follow these tips to keep your keys from disappearing once more.
2. Find a spare key
Car keys have the uncanny ability to disappear inside pockets on coats, underneath couch cushions, or just plain vanish altogether. At one time it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to get an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. With the introduction of key fob technology it has become more difficult to replace keys that have been lost.
This is why it's ideal to keep a spare key handy. A spare key will prevent you from calling a tow truck and will make getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your key much more simple. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain to ensure it's not as easy to lose. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider having one made to minimize the possibility of losing your keys.
You can usually have a traditional car key created by a locksmith or an auto dealer, based on the model of your car. It is important to remember that the dealer may need to program the key for your particular vehicle.
Many modern cars come with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using the remote control. This is also referred to a "fob." If you lose your fob, the only way to start your car again is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and have them connect a new fob to your car. Try to make it a habit of placing your keys in the same place every when you get home. If it's on the entry table or an empty bowl on your front porch or even a hook on the door, it will make it easier to remember where they are and how they will be in the future.
3. Empty Your Pockets
The loss of your car keys is a terrible feeling. It doesn't matter if you lost them in the rush to leave the house, or your young ones kept them on the couch for a game of hide-and-seek the loss of your car keys can leave you feeling frantic and overwhelmed.
The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may even make it worse. Try to remain calm and use the steps below to find your keys as quickly as you can.
Start by thinking back to lost car key replacement and recollecting the last spot you were when you last saw them. If you recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to search all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also retrace the steps you took to see whether they were found other than your pocket. You can also look over your vehicle, but you'll need to thoroughly search both the interior and exterior.
If you've checked everywhere else and aren't able to find your lost car keys then it's time to move on to more advanced searches. You can also look in your freezer and fridge. You'll need to open and close both of these appliances, and check inside, since you never know where tiny objects might be hiding.
Attaching your keys to a long chain or lanyard is a effective way to ensure you don't lose them. This will make it easier to locate them since they're more noticeable and longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright hue so that they are visible against other items in your bag or pockets.
4. Contact the police
It is obvious that the first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is call the police. It is essential to report lost keys to your car as soon you lose them to ensure you don't have any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or entering your home. Apart from that, reporting the loss at an early stage will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.
They will be able let you know if they've found your keys or if they have been stolen when you call them. They'll also give you some suggestions on how you can prevent theft of your keys. If they can't locate your keys they'll likely ask you for details about when you lost them and the location you were in prior to that.
Check your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry the key. After that take a walk through your day and try to remember where you lost the keys. It's possible that you set them on a counter somewhere or reached into your bag to find something and then keys were thrown out.
If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it must be connected to your car and this can be done by a dealership. This can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the make and model of your vehicle. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available 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 leave your keys in your trunk while making errands, they could be easily lost. This scenario occurs often, considering that keys missing from cars are the third most misplaced item in America1. Unfortunately, it's not always possible to prevent this from occurring. But you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it doesn't guarantee that you will not lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain will assist you in finding your keys in the event that they disappear. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone whenever it detects an indication from your lost key and makes it easier to locate.
If you're unable to find your car keys, you should contact locksmiths to come out and replace them. If you can provide evidence of ownership, like the title or registration of your vehicle the locksmith can create a key for you.
Keys that are traditional are the easiest to replace, but when you have an intelligent key or remote key fob, you'll have to contact your dealership to get one custom-made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys online, but make certain to verify whether the key you buy can be programmed for your specific vehicle.
The loss of your car keys can be a stressful event However, it isn't necessary to be. You can get your keys back by following the above tips. Keep calm and do not get in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one Every car owner loses keys at some point.