Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car keys can be a frightening experience. There are a variety of options to consider before calling locksmith or roadside assistance.
Retrace your steps. This will aid you in finding your keys and give you an area to begin before you take more drastic measures.
1. Retract Your Steps
Losing your keys is one of the things that can cause stress. It's possible that you don't realize you've lost them until you have to enter your home or start your car. If you don't have a spare, it can also be a trouble to get back into your vehicle.
Be at peace and go back to the steps you have taken. This will allow you to locate your keys quickly and avoid having to call a locksmith or go to the dealership to purchase a new key. Your lost keys will usually be close to you or close to something you have been carrying. It's a good idea go through your pockets, purses, and bags before you begin retracing your steps.
Another great way to find your keys that are lost is to ask your family or friends members if they've seen them. They can often provide you with helpful information and point you in the right direction. This is especially beneficial when you live in a house with roommates or family members.
Check your car if you can't locate your keys after searching through your purses, wallets 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 save you from many headaches.
If you don't have your keys in the car, it's time to get an expert. It will cost you money, but it's well worth it to avoid the stress of being locked out. In the future, you should consider having a spare key made so that you can avoid this problem completely. You can put an attractive keychain color on your keys to make it easier to identify them. This will help you always know where your keys are, and also locate them quickly. This is a small but extremely profitable investment!
2. Empty your Pockets
It can be a frustrating experience to lose your car keys. It happens more often than you think, and usually happens at the worst possible moment such as when you're running late to work. The best thing you can do in this scenario is to keep calm and follow the steps below.
Retracing get a spare car key made is the initial step. This will help you identify where and when the keys were lost. Afterwards, make sure to thoroughly check your bags and pockets. Also, look over your jackets and other outerwear you might have worn. You can also ask the staff at any restaurant or store you visited if the keys were there.
If you leave your keys in the pockets of your clothing can be a very easy thing to forget. This is particularly true if your jacket or coat has a large pocket. In addition to jackets and coats it's a good idea look over any bags you carry. Bags, messenger bags, and backpacks can all be hiding places for lost keys. You should also look around the interior of your vehicle to see if they're there.
Take out all pockets from any bags you carry with you. Also, empty your purse or messenger bag completely. This will help you see the presence of keys in the bag's lining. It's also recommended to utilize flashlights to illuminate the dark corners of your purse or bag.
Another option 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 thing you're looking for can increase the likelihood of finding it.
Contact a locksmith if are still having trouble finding your keys. They'll be able assist you with getting the replacement key for your car and could even install a brand new lock for your door, if needed.
3. Check under the car
If you're caught in a frenzy of errands - from school drop off and pick-up to grocery stores, dinner with the kids, or an afternoon at the park - it's not unusual for things to get lost. It could be a credit card, your favorite pair sunglasses or even something more important like your car key. And if you don't have an extra set, it could be a major hassle and a major issue.
Relax and begin searching for your keys. Start by looking at the most obvious spots first. Did you leave them on the coffee table as you walked out the door? You may have put them on your kitchen counter as you headed to the refrigerator, but then closed the door and forgot about them.
Examine the underside of the car to see if you've used up all your pockets and purses, walk through your day to see if it's possible to recall where you passed by on the way to your home. You've emptied every surface you might have encountered. You never know if the key fob slipped down into a crack between your seat cushion and floor mat or if you dropped it out of your bag while reaching inside to grab something.
Of course, the best method to avoid a situation like this in the future is to establish a habit of keeping your keys in the same location when you get home from work. It could take up to a month for the habit to become ingrained, but the more you maintain it and the more easy it will be to find your keys the next time you'll need them. If you're looking to be prepared in case of an emergency, you could also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy. This will help you save money on towing charges or replacing lost keys.
4. Walk Back Through Your Day
Sometimes you get caught up in the day-to-day chaos of children's activities, running errands, going out with friends for dinner, and trying to accomplish all your work-related tasks that you forget something important. Losing your car keys can be a major setback to your plans.
Take your time before calling everyone you know and asking where your keys are. Be careful not to panic. Once you've regained control over your emotions, the first thing you need to do is to retrace your steps. When did you last recall seeing your car keys? This will help you pinpoint where they might have gone missing.
Then, empty the pockets or bags you may have used to store them. You should also check places you would not typically think of, like the pockets of your jacket, shoes or coat. In addition, you should check the location where you keep your car keys at home. You might have set them on a table or else out of sight when you entered the house.
If you lose your car keys, it's not fun. However, if you follow these tips, you can locate them quickly, without having to call a locksmith. The best method to avoid this issue in the future is by establishing a designated place for your keys every time you come inside. It might take a time to get used to this, but after a while it will become a routine and you won't need to be concerned about them getting lost.