lost car key no spare My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. It's important to be prepared for this situation.

You should contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These professionals can create a replacement key for your vehicle.

1. Retract Your Steps

There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety, and even lead you to receive unwanted phone calls from strangers. Losing your keys is something that happens to everyone, regardless of how organized you are.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). But, in reality things often take a much darker direction. When you lose your keys, it's crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before taking drastic measures, it's an ideal idea to go back and trace your steps. In order to do this it's recommended to bring a flashlight to aid you in searching dark areas and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search, as another set of eyes can be helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you can't find your keys after retracing your steps and checking common places such as key hooks, look inside pockets, bags and jackets you've recently were wearing or used. If you lost car key your keys at a store, ask other shoppers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

It may seem obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do so thoroughly. Clean your pockets, including those on purses and jackets. Examine all zippered areas. Also, check the recycling and trash bins to see if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It could be beneficial to retrace your steps once time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. A lot of times, things are lost when we go to them, but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tough day and just want to get back home, change into your comfy sweats, eat pizza, and watch your favorite show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.

Examine desks and pockets that are filled with. You could also leave your keys in a busy area, such as the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Another popular place to hide is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys under the car ensure that you are able to open the gas cap on your car from the outside. Otherwise, a thief could be able to spot you hiding your keys under your car.

You can also hide your keys in a small nook on the dashboard or under the seat. Be cautious not to place them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

Sometimes, we lose things because we're a little bit distracted. You may be doing an errand that is quick, and you've forgotten your keys on the seat. Perhaps you require two hands to grab the food items. It happens to every person.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost any item. You can then make a police report to protect your car from theft. This step is especially crucial if your keys get lost outside your home or at the store or in a public place.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Try to become your own Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from when you last observed them. Asking people around you whether they've seen your keys is another good idea. This will help keep your car secure and stop other people from using it (which may result in extra expenses like new door locks and ignition). It is a good idea in the event that you have a spare car key to make a duplicate in case you lose it again.

5. Call a Locksmith

People often forget where they put their keys, especially if they're stressed or distracted. Luckily, there are several ways you can assist.

Begin by retracing your steps and looking for places you think you may have abandoned them. If you're still struggling to locate them, try searching inside the car. Many people lose their keys hanging from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth taking a look.

Last but not least, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding your keys that have disappeared. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They have the tools and know-how to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you call a locksmith. You can use your car's registration or title. You might have to wait several days for a dealer to send you a replacement key dependent on the circumstances.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are times when you lose your car keys and it can put a huge damper on your day. You might have been running an easy errand and accidentally left your keys on the seat, or you could have put them down to grab something for a moment and then lost track.

Reporting a lost my key or stolen key to the police as quickly as you can is important. This will create a paper record and help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. This can also ensure that you don't get punished.

If you've reported your keys as Lost My Car Key to the police and your homeowner's insurance could be able to take them in as personal property. It's best to call your agent to confirm that you are covered before making claims.

Keep an extra key or investing in a Bluetooth tracker such as Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will prevent you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and provide peace of mind knowing your keys are always in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

You can lose your keys at any time. You could be on the run and do not remember to put them on the seat or you may be getting out of your car after an exhausting day at work and you can't remember where you put them.

There are fortunately ways to prevent this from happening in the near future. One of the best options is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be affixed to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. The majority of these Bluetooth trackers also come with community functions so that other people can help you locate them if you are out of range.

Another great way to avoid losing your keys is to keep them in the same place each time you return home. Whether it's on your entry table or on a hook near the door, keeping an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a Replacement Key

It's important to notify your insurance company right away when you lose your keys to your car or if they're stolen. So you can be at ease knowing that your claim will be handled correctly should something happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which doesn't have chips) you can purchase an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and least expensive solution.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it may be a little more difficult. You will likely have to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. It could cost you anywhere from $100 to $200, based on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, you should keep an extra set of keys in a different place than your keys. De-cluttering your office or home is also a great idea, especially in the areas where you lose things.