Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
Losing your car key can be a scary experience. There are many options to consider before calling assistance at the roadside or a locksmith.
Take a step back. This will aid you in finding your keys and provide a place to start before you take any more drastic steps.
1. Retract Your Steps
You can be stressed out by losing your keys. It's easy to lose them and you might not even realize it until you need to start your car or get into your house. It's a pain to get into your car when you don't have a spare.
It's important to stay calm and first go back to where you started. This will help you locate your keys quickly and prevent needing to call a locksmith or head to the dealership to purchase the new key. The keys you lost will typically be within reach or close to something you've been carrying. Before you start retracing steps it's a good idea to look through your pockets, purses and bags.
Asking your family and friends if they've seen your keys is another good way to find them. You can gather valuable information from them and they can guide you in the right direction. This is especially beneficial for those who live with roommates or family members.
Make sure you check your car if cannot locate your keys after searching through your wallets, purses and bags. You might find that your keys are within the vehicle and you just have to look in the right place to find them. This simple action can spare you a lot headaches.
If your keys aren't in the car, it's definitely time to contact a professional. It's going to cost you money but it's well worth it to not have to be concerned about being locked out. In the future, think about getting a spare key made to avoid this problem completely. You could also add a brightly colored keychain to make them easier to see. This will help you to always know where your keys are and locate them quickly. This is a small but extremely profitable investment!
2. Empty your pockets
It's a stressful experience to lose your car keys. spare car key replacement happens more frequently than you imagine, and it always happens at the worst possible time such as when you're late to work. In this situation it is best to remain calm and follow these steps.
The first step is to trace your steps. This will help you identify the exact location and time you lost the keys. Then, thoroughly check your bags and pockets. Also, take a look at your jackets and other outerwear you might have worn. You can also ask the staff at any establishments or stores you visited if the keys were in your possession.
In the pockets of your clothes is a great way to forget. This is particularly the case if your jacket or coat has a deep pocket. In addition to jackets and coats it's a good idea to look over any bags you carry around. Bags, messenger bags and backpacks can all conceal keys that have been lost. Check the inside of your vehicle to see whether you have any keys.
Empty all pockets from any bags you carry with your. Also empty your purse or messenger bag completely. This will allow you to determine whether your keys are tucked away in the lining of your bag. It's also an excellent idea to utilize a flashlight to shine into the dark corners of your bag or purse.
Another suggestion is to walk around the house, shouting "car keys!" as loudly as you can. This may sound silly, but research has shown that shouting the name of the item you're looking for can increase the likelihood of finding it.
If you're still unable to find your keys, call a locksmith. They'll assist you with getting a replacement key for your car and can even install a new lock on your door, if necessary.
3. Check under the car
It's normal for things to be lost in the shuffle of everyday chores, from grocery shopping to dinner with the family or an afternoon spent at the playground. Sometimes it's a debit card or your favorite pair of sunglasses, but sometimes it could be most important things like your car keys. If you don't keep an extra set, it could cause a lot of inconvenience and cause a lot of stress.
Take a deep breath and begin searching for your keys. Start by looking at the most obvious locations first. Did you leave them on your coffee table when you went out the door? Or maybe you put them on the counter to grab something from the fridge, but then closed the door and forgot about them.
Check under the car if you've exhausted all your pockets and purses, walked through your day to see if you can remember the places you passed while driving to the home and emptying every surface you may have seen. You never know when the key fob slipped down into a crack between your seat cushion and floor mat, or if you accidentally knocked it out of your bag when reaching for something.
Of course the best way to avoid having a situation like this in the future is to establish a routine of keeping your keys in the same location when you come home from work. It could take a month or two for it to stick and the longer you stick to this routine, the easier it will be to find your car keys next time you need them. To ensure you're prepared in the event of an emergency, it also is beneficial to include GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your policy, which can save you the cost of a tow truck, or replacing your lost car keys.
4. Review your day
Sometimes you get caught up in the day-to-day chaos of children's activities, running errands, having dinner with friends and trying to complete all of your work tasks that you overlook something crucial. Unfortunately, losing your car keys is one of those situations that could cause a disruption to all of your plans.
Take your time before you begin calling everyone you know and asking where your keys are. Do not be anxious. Once you've regained control of your emotions, the first thing to do is retrace your steps. When did you last thought of seeing your car keys? This will help you figure out where your keys could have been.
Also, be sure to empty your bags and pockets in which you may have put them in. It's also recommended to look in places that you might not normally look like your shoes or the pockets of a coat or jacket. You should also check where you keep your keys at home. You might have put them on a desk or somewhere in the house.
Losing keys to your car is never enjoyable, but if you follow these steps you will be able to locate them quickly and easily without having to contact a locksmith or your family for help. You can prevent this from happening in the future by making the designated place for your keys inside your. It may take a while to get used to this however, after a few weeks, it'll become a habit and you won't need to be concerned about them being lost.