A Time-Travelling Journey What People Said About Lost Car Key 20 Years Ago
What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys
It can be frustrating to lose your car keys. In the chaos of school pick ups, grocery store trips, and other chores, things can get lost.
Be sure not to panic. The process of retracing your steps and looking thoroughly will usually result in finding the most important element.
1. Retract Your Steps
It's no secret that keys are the most frequently lost items. It could happen to anyone, whether you're running an adventure, distracted when you get out of your vehicle or even at home hurrying to get ready for work and forgetting your keys. There are a few things you can do prior to calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.
You'll have to go back through all your steps. This can be a challenge when you're in a panic, but it's important to keep track of where you last looked at your keys, as well as the places you visited after that. It can also be helpful to write down your steps so that you can look them up later on.
If you've gone back to the same spot and are still unable to locate your car keys, it could be time to begin looking in more obvious places. Check the pockets or bags you've been wearing during the day, and in your house. Keep in mind that your keys could be somewhere nearby - just not in the place you'd expect. It can also be helpful to locate your keys in the vicinity of other items they're usually paired with, like laptops or purses.
If you've gone through all of these options but you're still not able to locate your keys, it could be time to contact an emergency locksmith on the 24 hour line. But before you do that, try some of these tips to stop your keys from disappearing in the near future:
2. Find a spare key
It's not uncommon for car keys to disappear from coat pockets, couch cushions or even all by themselves. In the past this wasn't a huge problem since it was easy to obtain an additional key from any locksmith or hardware store. However, with the advancements in technology for key fobs, it's become much more difficult to obtain an alternative for keys that have been lost.
It's recommended to keep a spare key in your car. You won't have to call a tow-truck, and will be able to easily get your vehicle back in the event that you lose your keys. It is best to keep the spare key somewhere other than your keychain so that it's less likely to lose. If you don't have an extra key, think about having one made to minimize the chance of losing your keys.
Depending on the type of vehicle you own you may be able to have a traditional key made by a locksmith or dealership. It is important to remember that the dealer may have to program the key to match your specific vehicle.
Many modern vehicles are equipped with keyless entry systems that allow you to unlock your car by using a remote control. If lost my car key and have no spare lose the fob the only way to get it back is to visit the locksmith or dealer to have them connect the replacement fob with your vehicle. To prevent this from happening, make it a habit to keep your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. It is possible to put your keys in a bowl or a hook on the front porch or even on the table at the entrance.
3. Empty your pockets
Losing your car keys can be a terrible feeling. It can be a bit overwhelming and panicked if you lose your car keys.
Luckily, panicking won't help you find your keys - and it could cause more problems. Instead try to stay calm and follow the steps below to resolve your problem as quickly as you can.
Begin by going back through your day and recalling the last time you used them. Go through all your bags and pockets If you can recall they were in your wallet. You can also go through the steps you followed to see if they were found anywhere other than your pocket. You can also look over your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the exterior and interior.
If you've checked everywhere else but are unable to find your lost car keys then it's time to start more advanced searches. This includes searching the fridge and freezer to find your keys. You will have to shut and open the appliances and then feel inside for small things.
Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard is another excellent way to avoid losing them. This makes it easier to find them since they're more noticeable and longer. It's also beneficial to put your keys in a bright hue so that they are noticeable against other items in your handbag or pockets.
4. Call the Police
The first step to take after losing your keys is to call the police. It is crucial to report your lost keys to your car as soon as you lose them to ensure you don't run into any issues with someone who is using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. Besides, reporting your loss in the early stages also benefits you with regard to insurance coverage since most policies cover the cost of locksmith and replacement keys at the dealership.
They'll be able to tell you if they have found your keys or if they have been stolen when you call them. They will also give you some tips on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll likely be asking you for information about the date you lost them, and where you were before that.
Check your pockets, bags and other places where you normally carry the key. After you've done that, walk back through your day and try to recall where you lost keys. You might have tossed them on a table or your bag after reaching for something.
If you own a transponder key that operates electronically, it'll need to be linked to the car and this can only be done at a dealership. This could cost a few hundred dollars, depending on your car's brand and model. You can also call GEICO for emergency roadside assistance that is available 24/7 via the GEICO app. This service can save you time and money by delivering an emergency locksmith on your mobile.
5. Call a Locksmith
If you place your keys in the trunk while making errands, they could quickly disappear. This scenario is all too common, as lost keys are the most misplaced item among Americans1. You can't prevent this from happening every day. But you can take steps to minimize the chance of losing them.
A spare key is a good idea, but it does not guarantee that you won't lose the original. A tracking device on your keychain could assist you in finding your keys if they do disappear. A tracking device will notify your smartphone when it detects the signal from your lost keys which makes it easier to find.
If you are unable to locate your car keys you should call an locksmith to come and replace them. The locksmith will be able to create a new key for you, provided that you can prove that you are the owner, such as your car's title or registration.
lost keys to car no spare that are traditional are the easiest to replace, however when you have an electronic key or a remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealer to request a custom-made key for you. You can also buy replacement keys online. However, make sure you verify that the key can be programmed to your particular vehicle.
Losing your car keys can be stressful however it isn't necessary to be. If you follow the suggestions that are listed above, you will be able to recover your keys and get back on the road. Be sure to remain calm, and don't panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not the only one - everybody loses their car keys at some time or another.