Lost Key in Car

You're in a hurry to leave your home and you've noticed that your keys vanish. You might have a spare car key or you can contact a local locksmith to make an original key.

It's easy to keep returning to the same spots that you are "sure" you have put your keys in, but it's essential to go back through your steps and conduct a thorough search.

1. Retract your steps

You could lose your keys at any moment. It can happen while conducting errands, or returning home after a long day at work. It can be easy to become anxious in these situations, but it's crucial to relax and then retrace your steps. This will help you figure out the location where your keys may have gone and where to start looking.

If your steps do not retract/extend with the ignition on you might need to examine the step motor or replace the fuse. You could also try tapping on the step motor with an hammer to determine whether it works. It often does.

2. Make Sure You've Checked Your Car

Losing your car keys could be a nightmare, especially when you have to go to a location in a hurry. It's important to stay in a calm state and return to your steps so that you will be able to locate them.

The best place to begin is by going back to the last time you recalled having your keys. Checking the pockets of your jacket or jeans could be enough. Also, you should check places you wouldn't normally consider checking, such as your shoe after a workout or on top of your fridge.

If you cannot find your keys, you may be able find someone to help you at a cheaper price than an auto dealer. It is important to find out if the lost key is covered under your car warranty or insurance.

The majority of modern cars utilize a transponder key to lock and unlock the doors and to start the engine. These keys contain a small chip that transmits a unique signal to the car, which can only be read by a specific scanner. Contact your dealer in the event that you own keys with transponders. They can provide you with a key and pair it up with your vehicle. However, this could be expensive and can take a while. You can also make use of a Bluetooth keytracker that functions as a regular key, but is much less expensive. These devices emit a signal that you can connect to an app on your phone and will show you where your keys are.

3. Call for a locksmith

It's a good idea to keep a spare set keys in a safe place when you lose your keys often. So, you'll always have a spare key to turn on the ignition if you require it. If you don't own an extra key, search online for aftermarket keys compatible with your car. They are usually cheaper than going to an auto dealer.

Your backpack or bag is a good place to search for keys to your car that have been lost. Be sure to look carefully at the pockets or zippered compartments, as well as small compartments. These pockets, zippered areas and small compartments could be hiding keys that are difficult to find. Contact a locksmith if can't find your key.

Car locksmiths are skilled at replacing keys that have been lost. They are typically capable of creating a new key for your car with the information you supply them with like your VIN number and key identification. They may also be able to reprogram the immobilizer, which will stop it from starting when the wrong key is used, depending on the type of key you own.

You can also ask your local dealership to assist you in finding the car keys that you lost. The dealership can design an alternative key chip for your car but it is more expensive than working with a locksmith outside.

If your key lost has a transponder you will be required to visit the dealer or manufacturer to get a replacement. In this case, the dealer or manufacturer will need to create an appropriate key to match the system in your vehicle. In addition, you'll need proof of ownership. This can be avoided by working with an auto locksmith who will most likely be able offer you the best price.

4. Contact Your Insurance Company

You've had a long, exhausting day. You are eager to get to your home, put on a comfy sweatshirt and order pizza and binge-watch your favorite show. You lose your keys. What a pity! Before you give up and start panicking check your car, the obvious place that you think they could be is. Also, look around the couch cushions, and in cabinets and countertops in which you might have placed them. Now is the perfect time to clean up if you haven't done yet. Don't forget to look around at the workplace or other locations in which you might have misplaced your key in the past. Often keys are turned in by customers or employees, and are waiting for you to find them.

If you've tried all of this but still aren't able to locate your keys it is time to contact your insurance company. The insurance company may cover the replacement of your keys should you lose them. If you have roadside protection, they can send you an locksmith. If not, you will have to bring your car into the dealer who can make a new key with the information from your vehicle. This could be expensive and can take several days as the dealer has to program your computer system.

Always keep a spare car key on hand in case you lose it. It's a good idea make your spare key from the same kind of key as your car key. Consider purchasing a Bluetooth tracker to help you locate your key ring. There are many options to pick from, such as the Apple AirTag, Tiles or many more.

5. Contact the police

Car keys lost are one of the most frequent problems that motorists face. If someone steals your car using your key, it's not only a hassle but also a security risk.

The best thing to do in the event that you lose your keys is to follow your steps again and search thoroughly. Examine pockets, compartments, and even bags that were carried. You can also seek the assistance of your friends and family members to look, as they have different perspectives and may be able to detect things you might overlook.

If you still can't find your keys, it's crucial to contact the police as quickly as you can. This will prevent other crimes in the meantime. It will assist you with the possibility of a claim for insurance if your vehicle is stolen.

The police will notify you whether your keys were returned once you have reported the loss. The police will usually inform you when keys were found.

If you're unhappy with the police response, you can always contact a locksmith. Certain locksmiths can design a new key for you while others will disable the old one to prevent anyone from taking your vehicle. You can also try contacting your car dealership for a chance to offer a similar service. It's a good idea to review your insurance policy before making this call as some policies provide for the cost of a replacement.