How to Return a Lost Key to Car
Car keys have an uncanny way of disappearing. They can disappear between bags and pockets or disappear into the black hole under the driver's seat.
If you lose your car keys it could ruin your day. It could also ruin your plans. You should check your car thoroughly first.
1. Retract Your Steps
Losing your car keys is a stressful and frightening experience. Whether you put them down on the counter after you took a bite of pizza, forgot to put them back on the key hook or just lost them walking through your house, this is something that occurs to all. However, there are ways to get your keys back and reduce the stress of losing your car keys.
It's vital to remain calm. Doing a lot of searching and panicking can only make things worse. Be patient and remember where you last observed them. This will help you trace the steps back and locate your keys faster.
Begin with the areas you frequent such as your kitchen or office. Check your pockets, purse and other bags for keys. If you're still unable to locate them, think about searching in areas where you normally store things that could be easily lost like the bottom of your bag or under the pile of mail. It's also a good idea to look around your home for keys, especially in areas where clutter is likely to build up.
A call to help is an excellent idea when searching for your keys. It's always helpful to have a fresh pair of eyes to look for your keys. They may find them where you've missed. If you lost your keys in the grocery store or another public area, ask customers or employees whether they've located them. You can ask if they've discovered them. They might have put them in the lost-andfound area or taken by a different person. You can put a smart tag on your keys, for example Apple AirTag, or Tile.
2. Take a look around
Losing your car keys is an absolute nightmare, especially when you don't have a spare. There are solutions to this problem that aren't a hassle. You can start by going back to your steps and taking a look at the places you've visited recently. You can also look through your pockets, bags and other items.
You can ask friends and family members to search on your behalf. They might know where you lost your keys. It is recommended to check this before you call a locksmith. It will save you money in the end.
Sometimes we lose keys to our cars at the most difficult times. You're returning home from work and realize that you don't know where your keys are. You might be loading groceries into your trunk when you forget to put your keys in.
If you're lucky enough, you could find them in a strange spot such as under the couch or in a stack of mail. If not you might have to pay a locksmith for an exact copy. The majority of newer vehicles are equipped with an immobilizer, which means you cannot use the original key to start the car. You can use the spare key to open your car's doors and trunk.
3. Make a Copy
A few years ago, misplacing your car key was no big deal as you could have an exact duplicate for less than $10 at your local hardware store. The situation is now a bit more complicated. Modern cars are equipped with keys that allow you to unlock and start the car, as well controlling a number of functions of the vehicle.
They are more expensive to replace, particularly if you don't have an extra key. The good part is that if you have roadside assistance coverage and your insurance company will pay to dispatch locksmiths to make an additional key for you. However, you'll have to pay for the cost of the replacement key itself.
You could also ask the dealer that bought your car to make an exact copy. It will cost more than hiring locksmiths to create new keys however it could be your only option. It could be difficult to find a locksmith that is qualified to work on your particular kind of car key, depending on the model. This is why having an extra key in your home is always a good idea. Also, consider getting a smart tag (such as the Apple AirTag or Tile) to help track your keys.
4. Contact Your Insurance Company
At least once, every car owner has misplaced their keys. It usually happens due to forgetfulness or when they get misplaced in a bag, or coat pocket. Losing your car keys can be a major hassle, no matter how it happens. It can ruin your day and cause lots of stress. Fortunately, there are several ways you can locate them quickly and easily.
Follow your steps. It may seem obvious, but this step is important. Check your bags and pockets, and especially the zippered areas. Look under your car and in your home to see if there are any hidden compartments or drawers.
After you've carefully inspected the area and retraced your steps, it's now time to contact your insurance company. This is especially important in the case of a newer car that is equipped with transponder keys. The keys can only be used by the dealer.
If you report your loss early your auto insurance policy should cover any damages caused by someone else using the key you lost to drive around in your car. This includes things like scratches on the door or ignition.
If you don't make an insurance claim, your premiums for car insurance could increase. But, it's generally cheaper to file a claim than to pay hundreds of dollars to replace a lost key. It's your responsibility to decide what is appropriate in your specific situation.
5. Call what to do if lost car keys
When you reach for your keys in your pocket or purse and they're not there, it's a bad experience. Losing your keys could be a major issue and cause stress, anxiety, or even panic. Instead of trying to find them yourself or call roadside assistance, it's best to contact an professional locksmith. This way, you can return to the road quickly and easily without wasting any time.
If you have to call a locksmith quickly be sure to have the following information on hand. For example, the vehicle's key identification number (VIN), which can usually be found on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual and a copy of your drivers license to show proof of ownership. This will allow locksmiths to identify what type of key you have and what one is required.
It's also helpful to have a spare set of keys in your possession. Many people keep spare keys in easily accessible places like under the couch cushions or in an unopened pile of mail. Contact your local police department to find out if keys have been returned. Last but not least, inform your insurance company about the lost key. This will prevent you from losing your claim if it is found later. You may be required to make a payment for a replacement if you don't. If you need to replace your key, a reputable NYC auto locksmith will be able to assist. They can create a key on site and reprogram the system to ensure that it is matched to the original key. This is a faster and less expensive option than going to a dealer.