This Week's Top Stories About Lost My Car Keys Lost My Car Keys Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. If this happens it's crucial to be aware of what to do.

It is recommended to contact an auto locksmith or a dealership, based on your vehicle. These experts can create a replacement key to fit your vehicle.

1. Retract your steps

There are few things that are more painful than losing the keys to your car. It can ruin your entire day, cause anxiety and even trigger unsavory phonecalls from strangers. It doesn't matter if you are a meticulously organized person or not losing your keys could happen to anyone.

The best-case scenario is for them to turn up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). But, in reality things often take a much more gloomy turn. It is important to remain calm and return to your path if you lose your keys.

Remember that many things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. So, before resorting to extreme measures, it's a good idea to go back and conduct a thorough search. Bring a flashlight with you to search for dark corners and drawers. You can also ask a family member or friend member to help you search, as another set of eyes can be beneficial.

2. Check the Inside

If you've not found your car keys after returning to your location and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them in pockets, bags and jackets you've worn or used recently. If you've lost your keys in 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.

The process of checking your bags and pockets for keys that are missing might seem like common sense however, you must do it thoroughly. Empty your pockets, including those on jackets and purses. Examine every zippered area. You should also check the trash and recycling bins to determine if your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It might be beneficial to retrace your steps once again and look for places you are sure they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. A lot of times, things disappear when we try to find them but then slam them away and forget about them.

3. Check the Outside

You've had a tiring day and are eager to get back home, change into your cozy sweats, eat some pizza, and binge-watch your favorite TV show. But, you discover that the keys to your car have disappeared.


While you're going through your steps, check overly cluttered spaces such as tabletops and desks as well as the pockets of your clothing items. It's also common to leave your keys behind in a messy spot such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so make sure to thoroughly check those areas.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. However, if you do this, make sure you are able to access the gas cap from outside your vehicle as thieves could easily spot you crouching under your vehicle to hide your keys there.

You can also store your keys in a corner on the dashboard or under the seats. Be cautious not to place them too tightly as you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

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

When you lose something, it's important to contact the police immediately. You can then file a police report to help protect your car from thieves. This is crucial when you lose your keys outside your home, in the shop or in public.

Before you start, be sure to follow your steps. Try to play the role of Sherlock Holmes and recreate the scene in your head from the time you last saw them. It is also recommended to inquire of others in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your car secure and prevent others from using it (which could lead to additional costs such as new ignition and door locks). If you have a spare key, it is always a good idea to make copies of it in the event that this occurs again.

5. Contact an expert locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they put their keys, especially when they are busy or distracted. There are, however, several things you can do to assist.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching for the areas in which you think they could have been left. If you're still not able to locate them, make sure you check your car. Many people lose their keys hanging on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth taking a look.

Contact a locksmith and inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able cut keys or replace your locks, if needed. They have the tools and expertise to remove broken or bent keys from locked doors.

If you do call a locksmith, be prepared to provide proof of the ownership of your vehicle. This includes your vehicle's registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, depending on your situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are instances when you lose your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. It could be that you were running an task and left keys on the seat, or perhaps you put your key down to grab something and lost the track of it.

Notifying a stolen or lost key to the police as soon as you can is crucial. This will create a paper trail and will help prevent other people from using your vehicle without your permission. It also prevents you from being penalized.

If you've reported your keys as lost to the police the homeowner's insurance might be able to cover them as they're personal property. However, it's still best to check with your agent to ensure you're covered before you file an insurance claim.

Consider investing in the purchase of a Bluetooth tracking device like Apple AirTags or Tiles. This will eliminate the hassle of having to replace your car keys, and give you peace-of-mind knowing that you always have your keys in reach.

7. Get a Bluetooth key tracker

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

Luckily, there are ways to stop this from happening again in the future. One of the best options is to make use of a Bluetooth key tracker. These small devices can be attached to a wallet or keyring and connect to an app on your smartphone. When you launch the app it will ring or flash to assist you find your keys. lost my key come with community features that allow other people to help you locate them if your keys are out of range.

You can also make sure you don't lose your keys by putting them in the same place each time you get home. If it's in the bowl on the table in your entryway or on a hanger near the door, establishing an habit of this will make it easier to find them in the future.

8. Get a New Key

It is crucial to inform your insurance company right away in the event that you lose your car keys or if they're stolen. You can be certain that your claim will get handled properly if anything happens to the vehicle in the future.

If you have a regular key (which doesn't have chip) you can get a replacement at any locksmith or hardware store. This is typically the fastest and most affordable alternative.

For modern vehicles with a smart key that needs an electronic fob, it might be a little more difficult. You'll have to visit your local dealership to get a replacement key. This can cost you up to $200 based on the model and make of your vehicle.

To avoid this, make sure you have a spare key to keep it somewhere else than your keys. Decluttering your home or office is also a good idea, especially in areas where you're likely to lose things.