How to Get Back Car Keys Lost
It is not uncommon for people to lose their car keys. However, there are ways to retrieve them.
It's important not to panic. Relax and think rationally about what transpired. Retracing your steps and being thorough in your search is essential.
1. Retract your steps
If we don't remember where our car keys are, panic could set in. Our minds start spinning with the worst scenarios. If you are able to calm and control your emotions, you could discover that the answer isn't what you expected it to be. The first thing to do is retrace your steps. This sounds simple but it's actually quite difficult to do when you're in the midst of a panic attack. Take a deep breath and think back to the last time you had keys in your hands. Try to remember as many details about what you did following that.
You should also repeat your steps around your home. Check any places where you keep your car keys like your desk or on the wall. Check any pockets or bags you might have wore. Also, look under furniture and in drawers as you never know what your keys may have slipped down into.
If you're still unable to locate your car keys, it's time to contact a locksmith. However, before you do that attempt to create a duplicate in the event that something happens to the original.
If you have a traditional key that doesn't come with a transponder, you'll need to contact your local dealer to purchase a new one and then have it fitted to your vehicle. If you have a GPS-tracking key fob, you can call your local GEICO office and add ERS (roadside assistance) to your policy. That way, you can get a new car key without having to pay the cost of a dealer fee.
2. Check Your Hiding Spots
One of the most difficult things to misplace is keys to your car. They are small and easy to lose and are a common target for thieves who want to steal vehicles or enter homes and businesses. If you do lose your car keys, it's natural to panic. But the best option is to stay calm and thoroughly check every place you may have put the keys. Obviously your pockets are a good starting point, but it's also worth looking over your bags or backpacks that you've worn throughout the day.
If you're still struggling to locate your keys that you lost, think about making an inventory of possible locations they could be. This will allow you to avoid getting lost in any possible hiding spots while searching. It can also help you keep track of what you've checked to avoid repeating the same steps over and over again.
There are many creative ways to hide a spare key in your vehicle. For instance, you could make use of magnetic key holders that is attached to your vehicle in a discreet manner and shields it from theft. You can pick from a range of models that are available to match your vehicle.
Another alternative is to hide your keys behind your license plate. This isn't as effective as hiding your key in a secret place because thieves can see your key, but it's better than using a location visible like the hubcap or bumper.
If you're considering this method, make sure your spare key won't be crushed when you shut the hood. In addition, you'll need locate a safe area on your vehicle that won't be smashed by pedestrians or debris from the road.
Alternatively, you can consider hiding your spare key in an empty medication bottle or aspirin. This is an easy method to carry your spare key around and you won't have to carry one. Be careful not to store your keys in a spot that they might fall off or be damaged by heat.
3. Look Inside Your Car
While it might seem counterintuitive, the best spot to search for lost key s is in your car. It is especially beneficial to do a thorough search of your vehicle if believe they may be buried under something or slipped into the door's crack. Check under the floor mats, seats and any compartments easily accessible. You should also feel in any pockets you may have carried around when you lost your keys.
We often lose our keys when we're distracted by something else. If you were at the store, and needed both your hands to grab the large cake on the shelf or to reach the cake, you might have put the keys into your shopping cart in order to reach the food easily. And then you forgot about the keys. Likewise, it is not uncommon to lose your keys when you are in the middle of a traffic jam, or when you're rushing to get somewhere on time.
The good news is that when your keys have electronic components, such as a key fob, there are many things you can do to track it. You can contact your dealership or a locksmith to order a replacement, and you can utilize tracking devices such as Tile to help you find the keys missing.
It is also important to remember the last location that you remember having them, and then work your way backwards from there. If you were heading to the grocery store and realized that you'd not brought your keys, be sure to look through the bag in the store, or any clothing items you might have worn on the day.
If you lost your keys in a restaurant or a park you may also ask a person in the vicinity to see if they've found keys. In a retail store, employees might have noticed your keys on the floor after they fell into the gaps between shelves. They might even have contacted the authorities on your behalf!
4. Contact a locksmith
It is a frustrating fact that car keys are easily lost. It can be a nightmare scenario when you're trying to get somewhere and reach for your keys only to discover they've gone missing. You may lose your car keys in pockets on your coat or handbag or even the pocket on the front seat. They could also be lost by pets or children. It is therefore a good idea to take preventative measures such as purchasing a key-finder tag or ensuring that you have a spare set of keys in a safe place.
If you are still unable to locate your keys, it may be time to contact a locksmith. A professional auto locksmith can make a replacement key that is programmed to your vehicle. You can even have them change the ignition cylinder's key. They'll need the make and model of your vehicle in order to do this.
Dealerships can also make keys, however it's more expensive because they have to charge for overheads. Certain insurance policies will cover the cost of a locksmith when you've lost your keys.
If you do not want to employ a locksmith, you can contact the local garage. You'll need to find a locksmith who is knowledgeable in the kind of key you have. They might not be able to reprogram your key if it's not working.
It is important to report the loss of your keys as soon as possible. This will stop anybody else using your vehicle and stop the keys from being stolen. It's also the only way to stop the thief from driving your car with your keys in their hands, which can result in dangerous situations.
In the end, if you've lost your keys, it's best to call an expert as they can provide an affordable and quick solution. Beware of scammers who sell keys that can be reprogrammed without the required license. These keys are likely fail and cause costly damage to your vehicle. A licensed locksmith can produce the exact key for less.