Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
Losing your car keys could be a terrifying experience. There are several things that you can do before calling roadside assistance or locksmith.
The first step is to retrace your steps. This will aid you in finding your keys and provide a place to start before you take further drastic measures.
1. Retract Your Steps
You could be stricken by the loss of your keys. You may not realize that you've lost your keys until you have to enter your home or start your car. It can be a hassle to get in your car if you don't own an extra.
It's essential to remain calm and first go back to where you started. This will help you locate your keys faster and avoid having to call a locksmith or a dealer to get a replacement key. Your lost keys will usually be within reach or in proximity to something you've carried. It's a good idea go through your pockets, purses and bags prior to you move on to going back to the steps you took.
Asking your family and friends if they've seen your keys is another good way to find them. They are often able to provide you with helpful information and point you in the right direction. This is especially helpful if you live with roommates or family members.
If you've rummaged through your purses, wallets and bags but can't locate your keys, it may be time to look inside your vehicle. It could be that your keys are within the vehicle, and you need to find the right place to find them. This simple action can spare you many headaches.
Get a professional's help if your keys aren't inside the vehicle. It will cost some money, however it is worth it to not worry about being locked out. In the future, think about getting a spare key made to avoid this problem completely. You can put a keychain in a bright color on your keys to help you identify them. This will ensure you'll always be aware of where they are and can locate them quickly. This is an investment that is small but will pay dividends in the long time!
2. Empty your Pockets
Car keys lost and without a spare can be an extremely frustrating experience. It happens more frequently than you think, and usually at the worst times such as when you're late to work. The best option in this scenario is to stay calm and follow the steps below.
Retracing your steps is the initial step. This will help you determine the location and time when keys went missing. Then, go through your bag and pockets thoroughly. Also, look over any jackets or outerwear that you may have worn. You can also ask the staff in any establishments or stores you visited to see if the keys were in your possession.
In the pockets of your clothes can be a very easy thing to forget. This is especially true if you've got an extensive pocket inside a jacket or coat. In addition to jackets and coats it's a good idea examine any bags that you have with you. Bags, messenger bags and backpacks are all places to hide keys that have been lost. Check the inside of your vehicle to determine whether you have any keys.
It's a good idea to clear all pockets in any bags that you carry, as well as to empty your purse or messenger bag. This will let you check if your keys are stuck in the lining of your bag. You can also use a flashlight to illuminate the darkest places of your bag or wallet.
Another tip is to go around the house shouting "car keys!" as loudly as you can. This might sound a little silly, but research has shown that shouting the name of the item you're looking for can increase your chances of finding it.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, contact locksmith. They'll assist you in obtaining the replacement key for your car, and could even install a brand new lock for your door, if needed.
3. Check Under the Car
When you're in a whirlwind of errands, from school drop off and pick up, grocery stores, dinner with the kids, or an afternoon spent at the park - it's uncommon for things to slip through the cracks. Sometimes it's a debit or your favorite pair of sunglasses, but occasionally it can be the most important items, like your car keys. If you don't have a spare, it can cause a lot of trouble and be a big headache.
Before you panic, take a deep breath, and begin searching for your lost car keys. Start by looking in the most obvious places first. Did you leave them on the coffee table when you went out the door? You might have set them on the counter in your kitchen while you were going to the fridge but then closed the door and forgotten about them.
If you've cleared all of your purses and pockets (and if the lock was not locked ask someone to help you search the car as well) You've looked back over your day to see where they could be missing, and exhausted every surface that you're likely to remember passing by as you left the home, it could be time to take a look under the car. You never know when the key fob fell into a crevice between your seat cushion and the floor mat or if you accidentally dropped it out of your bag when reaching in to grab something.
It is crucial to make it a habit to place your keys in the exact same place every time you come home from work. It may take a few months to make the habit ingrained, but the more you maintain it the easier it will be to locate your keys the next time you need to. To ensure you're prepared in the event in an emergency, it is beneficial to have GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your policy, which will help you avoid the expense of a tow vehicle or replacing lost car keys.
4. Look back over your day
It's easy to overlook important things when you're occupied with your day-to-day tasks. This includes running errands and having dinner with friends. The loss of your car keys could be a major disruption to your plans.
Before helpful hints begin calling anyone you know to ask whether they know where your car keys are take a deep breath and take a step back and try not to panic. Once you've regained your composure, you should retrace the steps you took. What was the last time you looked at your car keys? This will help you find out where your keys might have gone.
Also, be sure to empty your pockets and bags that you might have put them in. It's also a good idea to check places you would not normally look like your shoes or the pockets of a coat or jacket. Check the place you keep your keys at home. You may have placed them on a table or in the home.
If you lose your car keys, it's never fun. However, if you follow these tips, you can find them quickly and without calling a locksmith. You can avoid this issue in the future by having the designated place for your keys inside. After some time you'll get used to it and won't need to be concerned about losing your keys.