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What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be among the most difficult experiences you have. Things are often lost in the chaos of school pick-ups, grocery shopping trips, and other chores.

Remember to not panic. Finding the key typically requires going back to your steps.

1. Retract your steps

It's not a fact that keys are among the most commonly misplaced items. If you're on the run and are distracted when you're getting out of your car or you're trying to get ready for the day and drop your keys in a rush, it can happen to anyone. If you've lost your car keys, there are some things you can try before calling a locksmith assistance.

You'll need to retrace all your steps. It isn't easy to recall where you were when you last saw your keys, and where you went afterward. It might also be helpful to note down your steps so that you can refer back to them later on.

If you've searched in the most obvious places but can't locate your keys you may have to look in other places. Look in your bags and pockets and also the home. Keep in mind that your keys could be in the vicinity, but not in the place you'd expect. It may also be beneficial to search for your keys in the vicinity of other items they are typically paired with, like the laptop or purse.

If you've tried all of these options but still can't find your keys, it may be time to call a 24-hour locksmith for help. Before you call a locksmith, make sure you follow these tips to keep your keys from disappearing again.

2. Get an extra key

It is not uncommon for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions all by themselves. At one time it wasn't a big problem since it was easy to obtain a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. However, due to advancements in the field of key fob technology it's now much more difficult to find an alternative for keys that have been lost.

For this reason, it's ideal to keep a spare key lost on hand. A spare key will save you from having to call a tow truck, and will aid in getting your vehicle back losing your key much easier. It's best to keep the spare key in a different location than your keychain, so that it's less likely to lose. If you don't have a spare key, consider getting one made to reduce the possibility of losing your keys.

You can usually have an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith, or at a dealership, based on your vehicle's model. However, it is important to remember that the dealer might need to program the key to match your specific vehicle.

Many modern cars are equipped with an entry system which allows you to unlock your car using a remote control device. This is also referred to as a "fob." If you lose your fob the only method to start your car again is to visit the dealer or a locksmith and let them pair a new fob with your car. Try to make it a habit to put your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. You can put your keys in a bowl or hook on the front porch, or in the entry table.

3. Empty your pockets

It's an awful feeling to lose your car keys. It can be a bit overwhelming and anxious if you've lost your car keys.

The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and could cause it to become worse. Try to remain calm and follow the steps below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.

Start by thinking back to your day and recalling the last time you were when you last saw them. Go through all your bags and pockets if you recall that they were in your wallet. You can also retrace your steps to determine whether you've found them in any other places. Finally, you can always examine your vehicle to determine whether they've been abandoned there however you'll have to thoroughly search the inside and exterior of the car.

If you've tried everything and still haven't found your car keys, then it's time to do more advanced searches. You can also search in your freezer and fridge. You will have to shut and open each appliance and look inside as you may find small things.

Another great way to avoid losing your car keys is to attach them to a long lanyard or chain. This helps you keep track of them and also make them harder to lose due to the noise they make and the length of the lanyard or chain. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright colour.

4. Contact the police

It is obvious that the first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to contact the police. It is crucial to report your lost car keys as soon as you lose them so that you don't face problems with someone using your vehicle or gaining access to your home. Besides, reporting your loss early can also benefit you with regard to insurance coverage as most policies will cover the cost of locksmith and even replacement keys at the dealership.

When you call the police and ask them to inform you if your keys have been discovered by someone or have been stolen. They'll also give you some suggestions on how to prevent the theft of your keys. If the keys aren't found they'll probably be asking you for information regarding the time you lost them, and where you were before that.

If you're using an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't operate electronically, the first thing to do is to look in your bags, pockets and anywhere else you normally carry the keys. Once you've done this then go back through your day and try to remember where you lost keys. It's possible that you set them down on a counter, or searched your bag to get something and then the keys dropped out.

If you have transponder keys that operate electronically, it'll need to be paired with the car and this can be done by a dealership. This can cost you a few hundred dollars or more, based on the model and brand of your car. You can also ring up emergency roadside assistance from GEICO, always available via the GEICO mobile app. This service can save you time and money by providing a mobile locksmith for you.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

If you put your keys in your trunk while making errands, they could quickly disappear. This scenario happens often, considering that lost car keys are the 3rd most lost item in America1. It's impossible to stop this from happening constantly. However, you can take steps to lessen the chance of losing them.

The use of a spare key may help, 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 they are lost. A tracking device sends an alert to your phone whenever it detects a signal from your lost key, lost car keys making it much easier to locate.

If you are unable to locate the keys to your car, contact a locksmith who will come and replace them. The locksmith will be able to create a new key on behalf of you as long as you have proof that you are the owner, like your vehicle's title or registration.

Traditional keys are the easiest to replace, but if you have a smart key or remote key fob you'll need to contact your dealer to have one made for you. You can also purchase replacement keys on the internet. However, make sure you verify that the key is programmed for your specific vehicle.

Losing your car keys can be stressful, but it does not have to be. If you follow the steps given above, you can find your keys and be back on the road. Be calm and not get in a panic! The most important thing to remember is that you're not alone - everybody loses their car keys at some point.