Are You Responsible For A Lost My Car Keys Budget? 10 Terrible Ways To Spend Your Money

Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how well organized you are. When this happens, it's important to be prepared.

Depending on the vehicle you have, the first call you need to make is a locksmith or a dealership. They can design keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There are few things more frustrating than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, create a lot of anxiety and can even result in unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that could happen to anyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The best-case scenario would be that they show up exactly where you last left them. (Parent Logic says this is the case). However, in reality, things can take a more gloomy turn. If you lose your keys, it is essential to remain calm and retrace the steps.

It is important to keep in mind that most things won't disappear forever, and they're often found in some very odd locations. Before you resort to drastic measures, it's a good idea for you to go back and trace your steps. To do this it's a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you search in dark corners and drawers. You could also ask someone to assist you, as a second pair of eyes can be very beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing steps and checking common places like key hooks look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently worn or used. If you lost your keys at a store check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something unusual.

Examining your bags and pockets for missing keys may seem obvious however, you must take the time to do it with care. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Feel around all zippered areas. Also, check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have disappeared from your bag.

You can also retrace your footsteps and search in places where you know it is not, such as the freezer or fridge. Many items get lost when we search for something, but then we take it away and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and are eager to go home, change into your comfortable sweats, have pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that your car keys are missing.

While you're retracing your steps, check overly cluttered spaces like tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also not uncommon to lose your keys in a crowded spot like in a door handle or in the refrigerator, so make sure you've checked these areas.

Under the car is another common place to hide. If you decide to do this be sure you can easily open the gas cap on your car from the outside. If not, a burglar could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Just be careful that you don't place them too tightly, as you could accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Call the Police

It is easy to get lost when we are distracted. You may be running an errand and put your keys on the seat, or you might require two hands to grab a bag full of groceries. It happens to everyone.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you lose anything. This way, you will be able to file a report and help to protect your vehicle from thieves. This step is especially important if your keys are lost outside your home, at the store, or at a location that is public.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your mind from the time you last observed them. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the area whether they have seen your car keys. This will help to ensure your car's security and also stop others from stealing it (which may result in extra expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it is always a good idea to make a copy of it in case something similar occurs again.

5. Call a locksmith

Many people forget where they put their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. There are a few basic things you can try to aid.

Retrace the steps you've taken and searching for the areas you believe they may be. If you're still unable to locate them, consider checking in the car itself. It's not uncommon for people to lose their keys under the visor or on the keychain.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to help you find your lost keys. They might be able to make you a new key or even change your locks if necessary. They have the tools and know-how to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a new key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are times that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major downer on your day. It might be that you were running a quick task and left keys on the seat, or perhaps you put your keys down for a second to grab something and lost track of it.

Notifying a stolen or  lost key  to the police as soon as you can is important. This will result in a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also allow you to avoid being penalized.

Your homeowner's insurance may cover your keys if you have reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you're covered before filing a claim.

You might want to consider keeping an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags Tiles, Apple AirTags or the numerous other options available. This will help you avoid the stress of having to replace your car keys, and provide you with peace of mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

Keys can be lost at any moment. You could be out on a quick errand, and you forget to put them on the seat. Or you could be getting out of your car after a long workday and forget where you put them.

There are ways to prevent this happening again. The best method for doing this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be connected to a wallet or keyring and can connect to an app on your smartphone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to assist you find your keys. These Bluetooth trackers have community features that allow other people to assist you in locating them if your keys are not in reach.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to place them in the same spot each time you return home. It doesn't matter if place them in a bowl on the table in the entryway or on an iron by the door. Making this an habit will make it easier to locate your keys in the future.

8. Get a New Key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to notify your insurance company right away. You can be sure that your claim will be handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one from any hardware or locksmith. This is the quickest and most affordable solution.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. It is likely that you will need go to your local dealer and present proof of ownership in order to obtain an entirely new key. Based on the make and model of your vehicle this could cost you upwards of $200.

To prevent this from happening, keep an extra set of keys somewhere else than your keys. It's also an excellent idea to clean your house or office particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.