What to Do If You Lose Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys can be one of the most difficult experiences you endure. In the chaos of school pick-ups, shopping trips to the grocery store and other chores, things sometimes are lost or misplaced.

Remember to not panic. Retracing your steps and searching thoroughly is usually the best way of finding the most crucial element.

1. Retract Your Steps

It's no secret that keys are one of the most common items that are lost. It doesn't matter if you're running an errand and are distracted when you're getting out of your vehicle or you're trying to get ready for the day, and then drop your keys in a hurry, it can happen to anyone. There are some things you can do before calling a locksmith if you've lost your keys.

You'll need to repeat all of your steps. It isn't easy to remember where you were when you last saw your keys, and where you went afterwards. You may find it helpful to write down the steps you took so that you can find them later.

If you've tried searching in obvious locations but aren't able to locate your keys, you might need to look in other places. Look in your bags and pockets and the house. Remember, your keys will likely be in close proximity - they're just not in a visible spot. You can also find your keys by looking around other items they're typically paired with, such as the laptop, purse or wallet.

If you've tried all these options but you are still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call for an emergency locksmith that is available 24 hours a day. Before calling a locksmith, you can try these suggestions to stop your keys from being lost again.

2. Get a Spare Key

It's not unusual for keys from cars to disappear from pockets of coats or couch cushions simply by themselves. Once upon a time this wasn't a huge problem since it was easy to obtain a new key at any hardware store or locksmith. But with advances in key fob technology it's now much more difficult to find the replacement keys for keys lost.

It's ideal to keep a spare key in your car. A spare key can save you from having to call an tow truck and aid in getting your vehicle back in the event of losing your key much simpler. It is advisable to have the spare key in a different spot than your usual keychain, so it's not as easily misplaced. If you don't have a spare key, you should consider having one made to minimize the possibility of losing your keys.

It is common to have an old-fashioned car key made by a locksmith or an auto dealer, based on your vehicle's model. It is important to remember that the dealer must program your key to fit your vehicle.

A majority of modern cars come equipped with a keyless entry system that lets you unlock the car using the remote control device. If you lose the fob your only option is to visit the locksmith or dealer to help them pair a replacement fob with your vehicle. To avoid this from happening, keep a routine of place your keys in the same place every time you arrive home. Whether it's in the entry table, a bowl on your front porch, or even a hook near the door, it can make it easier to remember the location of your keys and where to find them in the future.

3. Empty your Pockets

The loss of your car keys is an awful feeling. Whether you dropped them in the rush to get out of the house, or your young ones hid them under the couch for a game of hide-andseek, losing your car keys can make you feel frantic and overwhelmed.

The act of blaming yourself won't solve the problem and may cause it to become worse. Try to remain calm and use the steps below to locate your keys as quickly as you can.

Begin by thinking about your day and remembering the last place you visited them. If you can recall that they were in your pocket, make sure to look through all of your pockets and bags thoroughly. You can also repeat the steps you took to determine if they were found anywhere other than your pocket. lost keys to car no spare could also examine your car, but you'll have to thoroughly search the interior and exterior.


If you've tried everything else and aren't able to find your lost car keys then it's time to begin more sophisticated searches. You can also look in your fridge and freezer. You'll need to shut and open both of these appliances, and look around the inside, as you never know where tiny objects might be hiding.

Attaching your keys to a chain or lanyard can be a effective way to ensure you don't lose keys. This makes it easier to find them because they are more noticeable and longer. You can also make your keys stand out by using a bright color.

4. Call the police

It's obvious that the first thing you need to do after losing your car keys is call the police. Reporting the lost car keys immediately is crucial so that you do not have to be concerned about someone using your car or entering your home. In addition, reporting your loss in the early stages will also help you in terms of insurance coverage since most policies cover locksmith costs and even replacement keys at the dealership.

They'll be able to inform you if they've discovered your keys or if they have been stolen when you call them. They'll also give you some suggestions on how to avoid the theft of your keys. If your keys aren't found they'll probably be asking you for information about the date you lost them, and where you were before that.

Examine your bags, pockets and other places you usually carry the key. After you've looked over your pockets, bags and other places you usually carry them, look back in time to remember when you lost them. It's possible you put them on a counter somewhere or searched your bag to get something and keys were thrown out.

This can only be performed by the dealer if have a transponder that works electronically. It can cost a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on the make and model of your car. You can also contact GEICO for emergency roadside assistance that is available 24/7 through the GEICO app. This service could save you time and money by providing an emergency locksmith on the move for you.

5. Contact a Locksmith

If you place your keys in the trunk while doing errands, they can quickly disappear. This scenario is all too common, since keys are the third-most misplaced item among Americans1. It's impossible to stop this from happening all the time. However, you can take steps to reduce the chance of losing them.

A spare key can aid, but it won't guarantee that you will not lose the original. Having a tracking device on your keychain could help you find your keys in the event that they become lost. A tracking device will send an alert to your phone whenever it detects a signal from the key you lost which makes it much easier to locate.

If you're unable to locate your car keys, you should contact an locksmith to come and replace them. If you can provide proof of ownership, such as the title or registration of your vehicle A locksmith will be able create a key for you.

Traditional keys are the simplest to replace, however if you have a smart key or remote key fob, you'll need to contact your dealership to get one custom-made specifically for you. You can also buy replacement keys on the internet. But make sure you check that the key can be programmed for the specific vehicle you own.

Losing your car keys could be a stressful event however it isn't necessary to be. If you follow the suggestions listed above, you can retrieve your keys and get back on the road. Just remember to keep calm and don't get stressed! Be aware that you aren't all on your own. Everyone loses their keys at some time.