Lost My Car Keys: 10 Things I'd Like To Have Known Earlier Lost My Car Keys? Here's What to Do

Keys will be lost at some point, no matter how well organized you are. When this happens it's crucial to be prepared.


Depending on your vehicle the first phone call you need to make is an auto locksmith or dealership. These professionals can create keys for replacement for your vehicle.

1. Retract your Steps

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

The ideal scenario is that they end up exactly where you left them (Parent Logic would argue this is always the case). However, the situation can often be more grave. It is essential to stay calm and follow your steps if you lose your keys.

Be aware that a lot of things don't go unnoticed forever and can be found in the most unlikely places. Before you resort to drastic measures, it is recommended to retrace and search your steps. Bring a flashlight to look through dark corners and drawers. replacing lost car key can also ask a friend to assist you for items, as a second pair eyes can be extremely helpful.

2. Check the Inside

If you're still not finding your car keys after going back to your steps and looking at common locations like key hooks, search for them inside of pockets, bags and jackets that you've worn or wore recently. If you lost your keys in a shop check with other shoppers or employees if they noticed something unusual.

It might appear obvious to check your pockets and bags for keys to your car that are missing However, it's essential to do it thoroughly. Empty all of the pockets you carry such as purses and jackets and be sure to look around every zippered area. You should also look in the recycling and trash bins to see if any of your keys have fallen out of your bag.

It could be beneficial to go back time and look around for areas where you are sure they aren't like the refrigerator or freezer. Many items get lost when we search for something, but knock it off and then forget about it.

3. Check the Outside

You've been working hard all day and are now ready to head home put on your comfy sweats, have pizza and binge watch your favorite show. You discover that your car keys are missing.

Examine desks and pockets that are too packed. It's also not uncommon to leave your keys behind in a messy spot, such as on the handle of a door or in the refrigerator, so be sure you've thoroughly checked those places.

Another popular hiding place is under the car. If you decide to hide your keys under the car be sure you are able to open the gas cap on your car from outside. If not, a burglar might be able see the keys you have hidden under your car.

You can also hide your keys in an nook on the dashboard or under the seats. Be careful not to put them too tightly because you could accidentally smash them when you close the door.

4. Contact the police

We are prone to lose things when we are distracted. You could be running an easy errand and you've left your keys in the car seat. Perhaps you require two hands to carry an empty bag of groceries. Whatever the reason, it occurs to all.

It is important to contact the police immediately if you have lost anything. You can then make a police report to protect your vehicle from theft. This is particularly crucial if your keys get lost outside of your home at the grocery store, or in a public place.

Make sure you retrace every step before you begin. Recreate the scene you saw the time you last saw your keys in your head. It's also recommended to inquire of other people in the vicinity if they have seen your car keys. This will help keep your vehicle safe and stop other people from using it. (This could result in costs like new door locks and ignition). If you have a spare key, it's always recommended to create copies of it in the event that this happens to you again.

5. Call a Locksmith

It's common for people to forget where they've put their keys, particularly when they're busy or distracted. There are a few simple things you can try to assist.

Start by retracing the steps you've taken and searching in the places you believe they may have been left. If you're still struggling to find them, try checking in the car itself. Many people lose their keys that hang on the keychain or inside the visor and it's worth having a quick look.

Contact a locksmith to inquire whether they can locate your keys. They may be able to cut you a new key or even change your locks if required. They have the tools and expertise to remove bent or broken keys from locked doors.

Be prepared to show proof of ownership when you contact a locksmith. This includes your registration or title. You might have to wait for several days for a dealership to send you a new key, according to your particular situation.

6. Call Your Insurance Agent

There are occasions when you lose your car keys and it can put a major damper on your day. It might be that you were running an run and forgot to put them on the seat or maybe you put your key down to grab something but lost the track of it.

It is crucial to report lost keys as soon as you can to the police. This will create a paper trail and helps prevent people from using your vehicle without permission. It also stops you from being fined.

Your homeowner's policy may cover your keys if reported them as lost to local police. They are considered personal property. It is recommended to contact your agent and confirm that you are insured prior to making a claim.

Keep an extra key, or investing in a Bluetooth tracker like Apple AirTags, Tiles or the many other options available. This will save you the hassle of having to replace your car keys and ensure that you always have your keys at hand.

7. Get a Bluetooth Key Tracker

You can lose your keys at any time. You might be running a quick errand, and do not remember to put them on the seat. Or you could be leaving your car after a long workday and forget the place you put keys.

There are ways to prevent this from happening again. The best way to do this is to use a Bluetooth key tracker. These tiny devices can be attached to your wallet or keyring and connect to an app for your phone. When you open the app it will sound or flash to help locate your keys. Most of these Bluetooth trackers also have community functions to allow other people can help you locate them if you are lost.

Another way to prevent losing your keys is to put them in the same place each time you return home. It doesn't matter if you put them in an table in the entryway or on a hook by the door. Making this a habit will help you locate your keys in the future.

8. Find a replacement key

If you've lost your car keys or they've been stolen, the most important thing is to notify your insurance company right away. So you can be sure that your claim will be handled in a timely manner should anything happen to the vehicle in the future.

If you have an ordinary (non-chip) key you can purchase a new one at any locksmith or hardware store. This is the quickest and cheapest solution.

For cars that are more modern and have a smart key that requires an electronic fob, it might be a bit more challenging. You'll likely need visit your local dealership and show proof of ownership to get an updated key. This could cost you up to $200 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.

To avoid this, ensure that you have a spare key and keep it somewhere different from your keys. It's also a good idea to get rid of clutter in your house or office, especially the place that you tend to drop things.