Lost a Car Key? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car keys could be a huge hassle. Luckily, thanks to modern technology like smart key fobs and the possibility of a separate ignition key, you can still get your vehicle back.
The first thing to do is trace your steps and search for places you've visited recently. Examine your pockets and bags to determine if you've got the key.
Retract your steps
The loss of your keys to your car could be a frustrating experience. If you've lost them while running an errand or just misplaced them, it can throw off your day and cause stress and anxiety. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to retrieve your lost keys back, including retracing your steps, and calling a professional locksmith.
The first step to retrace your steps is to try and remember where you last saw the keys to your car the last time. You can do this by closing your eyes and thinking about the places you went throughout the day. Once you know where they were you can go through the locations. Check your purses, pockets and other possessions. If they are not there, continue to the next step.
Another method to retrace your steps is to ask your neighbors living in the home whether they have seen your keys. This is especially useful when you share a home with a partner or roommate. They might even have spares or remember where they placed them.
It is important to be patient and keep searching for your car keys. Staying calm is the best method to find them. These tips can save you time and money by finding your lost car keys faster.
If you've lost your car keys and do not have an extra set, contact an expert auto locksmith now. They can assist you with getting into your vehicle and make new keys for you. They can also provide recommendations to prevent future key losses.
It's easy to lose your car keys if you're running a few quick tasks and forget to bring them on the way back. In other instances, you may be exhausted after a long day at work and then accidentally throw them on the kitchen table. Don't be afraid to apply these suggestions to locate your keys, or buy a new set.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
You can lose your keys at any moment. Maybe you had to run a quick errand and hurried out the door, only to forget them on the seat, or maybe you put them in the car to get something, only to forget about them after closing the door. This happens to everyone and is frustrating when it happens. There are a few basic solutions you can use to resolve the issue.
Then, go back to where you started. It's simple to go back to the last place you knew you had your keys, but you need to be open-minded and also look for places that aren't obvious. If you dropped keys in the gaps of your grocery cart because you needed two hands to grab that large cake at the store, it's likely that a worker or a customer saw them. You can also ask them if they have located your keys.
If you're still unable to locate your keys take a list of all the possible places you could have put them. This way, you can keep going through the list and crossing things off once you've inspected them. You could also ask your family members or roommates to inform you where they believe keys are. Sometimes, a spare key might be found in an obvious location, like under the couch cushions or in the mail pile.
Don't forget the vehicle it self. Look under the floor mats and into the footwells. You can also look into the black hole that is underneath the car.
If you've done all of the above, but are still unable to locate your car keys, it may be time to call a locksmith. They can assist you to locate your car keys and help you get back on the road in the shortest amount of time. Write down the VIN of your car. This is a crucial step to ensure that you don't lose your insurance claim.
Contact the police
It wasn't too long ago that losing keys to your car wasn't an issue. You could easily locate them by retracing your steps or looking in your pocket and handbag. These days, however, the technology in cars has made these tiny keys a lot harder to locate, and even more difficult to replace if you lose one.
This is why it's crucial to contact the police and file a lost vehicle key report. This will permit you to make an evidence trail in case your keys are stolen, but filing a report will also notify the police that you need a replacement.
If you submit a police report, the police will be able to contact other local residents and businesses to see if they have seen your car's key. They might also be able help locate your car by using the GPS in it.
In addition to calling the police, you should also contact your insurance company if you lost the car key. They will be able to inform you if you are covered for the cost of buying a replacement key from the dealership. In certain situations you may also be able to include a remote car starter to your insurance policy which will allow you to get your vehicle back if it ever gets stolen.
It is also advisable to locate your spare key, should you have one. Many people keep spare keys to their cars in places that are easy to find in their home, like with family or in their wallet or purse. If you don't have spare keys, it's a good idea consider getting one and keeping it somewhere separate from your car keys. This way, it's less likely that you will accidentally misplace your spare.
If you've tried all you can, but aren't able to locate the car keys, it might be time to call a locksmith. A locksmith can help you unlock your car and rekey the locks at home if needed to protect your home from thieves who could have keys to your vehicle. Unlock Indy LLC can help you learn more about.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose your keys, a reliable locksmith can help you get the replacement. You can find one in the phone's directory or ask a friend for a recommendation. Make sure to verify the credentials and the reputation of the person you are hiring. It is also important to inquire about their pricing structure because it can differ greatly from one company to the next.
Some car locksmiths offer an estimate for lost keys, while others charge fees. They'll need to know the type and year of your vehicle, as well as your VIN number. You might be asked to show evidence of ownership, such as your registration or title.
Every car has its own kind of key. Keys made of traditional materials fit inside the cylinder for the ignition lock. You can replace them with a local locksmith or buy an additional key at your local hardware store for less than $10. Smarter keys, such as the ones for the newer Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Malibu are equipped with transponder chips inside that communicates with the system of your vehicle. You can go to an auto dealer or locksmith with the necessary technology to program these keys.
If the key you have lost is an older model without a chip, a locksmith can create a new one at a lower cost than the dealer would cost. You can also have them repair or replace your lock, so you should pick a reputable locksmith with experience in this field. Some locksmiths can even come to your location in case you're locked out of your vehicle and save you the hassle of calling for assistance at the roadside and waiting for a tow truck. Be sure to compare prices before selecting a locksmith and make sure they're licensed and insured. They should offer a straightforward, easy-to read price list that explains the costs of their service. This will allow you to avoid any charges or fees that are hidden down the line.