Lost My Car Keys: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly lost car keys ? Here's What to Do

You'll lose your keys at some point, no matter how organized you are. In the event of this happening it's crucial to know what to do.

It is recommended to contact a locksmith, or go to a dealership, depending on the vehicle. These professionals can create an alternative key for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps


There aren't many things more painful than losing your car keys. It can ruin your day, cause an anxiety-filled day and even trigger unwanted phone calls from strangers. It doesn't matter whether you are an organized person or not, losing your keys can happen to anyone.

The ideal scenario is that they turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is the norm). In reality the situation could be more grave. When you lose your keys, it is crucial to remain calm and retrace the steps.

Be aware that a lot of things aren't lost forever and can be discovered in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures it's a good idea to go back and search thoroughly. To accomplish this it's recommended to carry a flashlight to aid you in searching dark corners and drawers. You could also invite a family or friend member to join you in your search to help you, as a second set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you are unable to locate your keys after retracing the steps and examining common areas like key hooks check inside bags, pockets and jackets you've recently wore or used. If you've lost your keys at a store and you are unsure of where to find them, ask other customers or employees if they have noticed something out of the ordinary.

Checking your pockets and bags for keys missing may seem like common sense but it is important to take the time to do it with care. Take out all pockets you carry such as purses and jackets and check every zippered space. It's also recommended to go through the trash and recycle bins in case keys got lost in your bag and got crushed by something else.

You could also retrace your steps and search places where the item isn't in, like the fridge or freezer. A lot of times, things go missing when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've put in the hours and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, eat pizza and on your favorite TV show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Make sure you check your desks and pockets that are cluttered. You could also leave your keys in a congested space, like the handle of your door or in the refrigerator.

Under the car is another favorite place to hide. If you decide to do this make sure you can open the gas cap from outside your vehicle as a thief could easily see you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also hide your keys in a nook in the dashboard or under the seat. Make sure you don't place them too tightly or you'll accidentally crush them as you shut the car door.

4. Call the Police

We can lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an errand and you have put your keys on the seat, or you may require two hands free to carry a load of food items. Whatever the reason, it occurs to everyone.

It is essential to notify the police immediately if you have lost anything. This way, you will be able to make a report and help to keep your car safe from thieves. This is essential if you lose your keys outside of your home, in the shop or in public.

Before you begin, be sure to follow your steps. Recreate the scene you saw the last time you looked at your keys in your head. Asking people around you if they've seen your keys is also a great idea. This will help to ensure your car's security and also stop other people from using it (which could result in additional expenses like new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key it is always an excellent idea to make copies of it in case this happens to you again.

5. Contact a Locksmith

People often forget where they placed their keys, especially when they're distracted or in a rush. Luckily, there are a few ways you can aid.

Retrace your steps, and then searching for places you think you may have left them. If you are still unable to locate them, look in the car. Many people lose their keys that hang from the keychain or in the visor and it's worth taking a look.

Finally, contact a locksmith to see if they are able to assist you in finding the keys you lost. They may be able cut keys for you or alter the locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

If you do contact locksmiths, be prepared to provide proof of ownership of your vehicle. This includes your registration or title. Depending on the situation, you may need to wait for a replacement key from the dealership which can take a number of days.

6. Contact Your Insurance Agent

There are instances that you'll lose your car keys and it can put a major downer on your day. You could have been on a quick errand when you accidentally threw your keys off the seat, or you may have sat down to take a look at something and then lost track.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as quickly as you can is vital. This will be recorded on paper and prevent others from using your car without permission. It also prevents you from being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might cover them since they're considered personal property. However, it's still best to speak with your agent to ensure you're covered prior to filing an claim.

You should consider buying an Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will save you from having to deal with the hassle of a car keys replacement and give you peace of mind knowing your keys are always within reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

Sometimes, you'll lose your keys when you least think about it. You might be running a quick errand, and forget to place them on the seat. Or, you might be getting out of your vehicle after a long working day and forget the place you put keys.

Luckily, there are ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices are attached to your keyring or wallet, and can connect with an app for your phone. The app will flash or ring when you open it to aid you in finding your keys. These Bluetooth trackers come with community features that allow other people to assist you in locating the keys if they are out of range.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to put them in the same place each time you arrive home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, making an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away when you lose your car keys, or if they are stolen. So you'll be able to rest assured that your claim will be handled properly should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a standard key (which does not contain chip) you can simply get an replacement from any locksmith or hardware store. This is the fastest and most affordable solution.

It may be more difficult for cars that have an electronic key and an electronic fob. You will likely have to go to your local dealership and show proof of ownership in order to obtain an updated key. Based on the make and model of your car it could cost anywhere from $200 to $300.

To avoid this, keep an extra set of keys in a different location than your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your office or home particularly in the areas where you are likely to lose things.