Tips For Finding Lost Keys in Cars
In the rush of running errands, picking kids up from school, getting dinner ready, and finishing your day at work, it's easy to lose track of your keys. It happens to everyone.
Take an exhale before you panic and let your rational side kick in. Here are some suggestions to help you retrace your steps and locate your keys.
1. Make Sure You Check Your Car
It could occur to anyone, regardless of whether you're on a quick errand, or coming home from a long workday: You go to your keys only to realize that they are nowhere to be found. In this scenario, it's important to remain calm, so that your rational side can take control. Try to remember the last time you were in their presence. This will allow you to trace your steps and locate them.
If you have a spare set, they are usually in the same location as your original keys. If you have an electronic key, you can use the app on your phone to find where it is. You can find it in a purse or bag connected to your car by a keychain, or in a small compartment within your vehicle. Also, you may want to consider purchasing a bluetooth tracker that will help you find your keys if you lose them.
Once you have checked your car, go back through your steps to see where they might have ended in. If you've been to the public space, like an establishment, library or restaurant Ask staff members whether they have seen your keys. They might have been dropped or handed in by other patrons.
The process for replacing lost car keys varies based on the type of key as well as the make and models of your vehicle. It is recommended to contact your local dealerships, locksmiths or mechanics for exact cost estimates. They can also inform you if the key has any extra security features that increase the cost of replacement. This is especially true if you lose a high-tech, hard-to-copy key.
2. Check Your Bags
If you're occupied it's easy to forget your keys. Many people leave their keys on the floor while juggling multiple items in their hands. Sometimes they do not remember to pick them up again. This is especially the case when people are in a hurry or distracted. It's not shocking that 4 million people are locked out of cars every year! If you've lost your keys here are a few tips to help you find them.
Start by retracing your steps. It's possible that your keys fell off of the car seat or in the back of the trunk as you brought shopping bags inside. If you think that's the case, make sure to look over the contents of all bags and boxes in your car prior to entering your home. It's also an excellent idea to look in the pockets of any jackets and coats that you were wearing when you lost your keys. Check the pockets and zippered compartments for any small items, such as keys.
Examine your bag or backpack because that's where the majority of people keep their keys. Even if you don't carry a bag normally you should be checking the pockets of any jackets or coats you've worn when you left your house. Check the pockets of your jeans, and any other clothes you may own. Also, don't forget examine any bags you may have placed on the table in the entryway.
It's also a good idea to have a backup copy of your keys in case you lose your originals. You can keep an extra in your purse or in your car or at your home. It's also an excellent idea to leave one with a trusted person.
3. Retract your steps
Everyone has been through this at some point. You reach in your pocket to retrieve your keys but you discover that they're not there. When you're on the run or just trying to get home in time to start dinner, losing your keys is a frustrating and stressful experience.
But, it doesn't have to be this way. If you're willing to be more vigilant and follow these steps, you'll be able to reduce the risk of losing your car keys in the near future.
The most important thing you can do is to take a deep breath and calm down. Stressing yourself will only confuse your thought process and make it harder to locate the keys. Instead, try to recall when you last used the keys and where you were.
Take a look around the area where you believe you have placed them. Sometimes keys "drift" and end up on the floor or under a different object. If you're in the grocery store and your keys aren't in your bag or on the counter, it's possible that they fell onto the floor. Examine everything.
It is also helpful to record the places you've already checked to see if there's an answer hidden in a place that you've not yet thought about. This can help you narrow your search and save time. Finally, if you're still not finding your keys, double-check all of the steps above over again. You may be surprised by how quickly you can locate them if just slow down and think clearly. It's important to be aware of your surroundings and to have a safe place to store your keys.
4. Contact the police
It is not a secret that car keys are among the most frequently lost items. You might have lost your keys under the seat or in a place that you will not remember the next day.
There are few actions you can take to make sure you don't lose your car keys and avoid being locked out of your car. Keep calm and retrace the steps you made. This can help you refresh your memory and make it easier to find your keys. Check obvious places like the kitchen counter tables, key hooks, and tables. Also, don't forget examine the pockets in your pants and jacket or in the bag you were carrying. Additionally, you should look through your home, including rooms that you haven't used recently.
If you still can't find the car keys, it may be time to call the police. The police will help you find the steps again and examine your vehicle. They can also let you into your vehicle in the event that they find your keys. If you have an active policy and you lose your keys, you could save money by reporting the keys as lost before they are lost.
It could be beneficial to leave your keys in the hands of someone in your family or a trusted friend so that they can unlock your vehicle in the event of need. It could also be helpful when you're having issues with the keys to your car. Talk to someone and help calm yourself down.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
Everyone can lose their car keys. There are some steps you can take to help locate them. Follow these tips to minimize the amount of time and money you'll spend searching for your keys.
Make sure you check your car first. Check your pockets, in the bag you carried and even in places where you would not normally put a key, like in your shoes. It is also important to go back and think about the last time you used keys. This can help jog your memory and give you clues as to where they may be missing.
Contact your insurance company once you've thoroughly inspected your vehicle. Contact your insurance provider to determine if they'll cover the cost of losing a car key.
If you're unable to find your car keys, it is crucial to report them to the police as soon as possible. This will prevent anyone from using your car without your knowledge and the possibility of it being stolen.
A lost car key could be a huge hassle and can ruin your plans for the evening. You can easily find your car keys by following a few easy steps and being patient. Just remember to always keep your spare keys in a secure place and don't leave your keys in a safe place. If you lose your keys you'll be aware that they're not missing for very long. If you're worried about losing your keys you might want to consider adding a GPS key-finder tag to your car.