Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car keys can be a terrifying experience. Luckily, there are several things you can try before calling assistance at the roadside or a locksmith.
Take a step back. This will aid you in finding your keys and give you a place to start before you take more drastic measures.
1. Retract your steps
The loss of keys is one of those things that can really make you feel stressed. It's possible that you don't realize you've lost them until you need to enter your home or start your car. If you don't have a spare it could be a trouble to get back in to your vehicle.
It's important to stay at peace and then go back to where you started. This can help you find your keys quickly and save you from needing to call a locksmith or go to the dealership to purchase a new key. Most likely, the keys you lost are close by or were dropped near things you've carried around. It's best to go through your pockets, purses and bags before you start going back to the steps you took.
Another way to locate your keys that you have lost is to ask your family and friends members if they've seen them. You can gather valuable information from them and they can point you in the correct direction. This is especially helpful for those who live with roommates or family members.
If you've rummaged through your wallets, purses and bags and are unable to locate your keys, it may be time to look inside your vehicle. Sometimes your keys are just inside the vehicle and you have to check the right place to locate them. This is a simple procedure that will help you avoid a lot of headaches.
If your keys aren't in the car, it's definitely time to contact an expert. This will cost you some money, but it's well worth it to avoid the anxiety of being locked out. You should get an extra key to avoid this problem in the future. You can even attach a colorful keychain on your keys to make them easier to spot. This will help you to always be aware of where your keys are and locate them quickly. This is an investment of a few dollars that will pay off big time in the long in the long run!
2. Empty your Pockets
It's a stressful experience to lose your car keys. It happens more often than you think, and usually happens at the worst possible time, like when you're late for work. In this situation it is best to remain calm and adhere to these steps.
The first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you identify where and when the keys went missing. Then, go through your pockets and bag thoroughly. Also, look through the jackets and coats you may have worn. You could also ask the staff at any establishments or stores you visited to see if the keys were in your possession.
Leaving your keys in the pockets of your clothes can be a very easy thing to forget. Read A lot more is especially true if your jacket or coat has a deep pocket. It is also advisable to check your bags. Purses, messenger bags and backpacks can all be hiding spots for keys that are lost. You should also look around the inside of your car to see whether they're there.
Clean out all pockets of the bags you carry around with you. Also, empty your messenger bag or purse completely. 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 parts of your wallet or bag.
You can also stroll around the house yelling louder than you could ever "car keys!" It may sound silly but shouting out the name of the item you are looking for will increase the odds of locating the item.
Contact a locksmith if you haven't been able to locate your keys. They'll assist you with getting a replacement key for your car and can even install a new lock on your door, should it be needed.
3. Check Under the Car
If you're caught in a frenzy of errands ranging from school drop off and pick up to grocery store runs or dinner with the kids, or an afternoon at the park, it's not unusual for things to slip through the cracks. Sometimes it's a debit or your favorite pair of sunglasses, but sometimes it can be the most important things like your car keys. If you don't have an extra set, it could cause a lot of hassle and be a big headache.
Before you get scared take a deep breath and start looking around for your lost car keys. It's always a good idea to start with the obvious locations first. For instance did you place them on your coffee table when you were leaving the house? You might have placed them on the counter in your kitchen while you were heading to the fridge but then closed the door and forgotten about them.
Examine the underside of the car if you've emptied all your pockets and purses and then walk around your day to see if you can remember the places you passed on your way to the home and emptying every surface you could have walked across. You never know whether the key fob fell into the gap between the seat cushion and floor mat or if it was accidentally knocked from your bag when you were reaching inside to grab something.
It is crucial to make it a habit to place your keys in the same place every time you get home from work. It may take a few months for the habit to become instilled, but the more you keep it in place, the easier it is to find your keys the next time you'll need them. To ensure that you're prepared in the event of an emergency, it is beneficial to include GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your policy, which will help you avoid the expense of a tow truck or replacing lost car keys.
4. Review your day
Sometimes you just get so overwhelmed by the day-to-day shuffle of kids' activities, running errands having dinner with friends and attempting to complete all of your work tasks that you forget something important. The unfortunate thing is that losing your car keys is just one of those things that can throw a wrench in all of your plans.
Take an exhale before you start calling everyone you know and asking where your keys are. Be careful not to get overwhelmed. After you have regained calm, you should go back to the steps you made. When was the last time you recall having keys to your car? This will help you find out where your keys could have been.
Then, empty the pockets or bags you may have used to store them. It's also an excellent idea to look in places that you might not normally consider, like your shoe or the pocket of a coat or jacket. Check the place you keep your 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. But if you use these suggestions, you'll be able to find them quickly and without calling a locksmith. The best way to avoid this problem in the future is by creating a designated spot to keep your keys when you come inside. It may take a time to get used to this however, after a few weeks it will become a routine and you won't need to be concerned about them being lost.