Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car key could be a scary experience. There are several things that you can do prior to calling for help at the roadside or a locksmith.
The first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you find your keys and give you the opportunity to start from scratch before proceeding to more drastic steps.
1. Retract your Steps
The loss of keys is one of the things that could cause stress. They're easy to lose and you might not even realize it until you need to start your car or enter your house. It's a pain to get in your vehicle if you don't own a spare.
It's important to stay calm and then take a second look. This will help you locate your keys quickly and avoid having to call a locksmith or head to the dealership to purchase new keys. The keys you lost will typically be within reach or near something that you've been carrying. Before you begin going back to trace your steps it's a good idea to search through your purses, pockets and bags.
Asking your family and friends if they have seen your keys is a good way to find them. They can often give you useful details and point you to the right direction. This can be especially useful for those who live with roommates or family members.
If you've rummaged through your wallets, purses, and bags and can't find your keys, it may be time to take a look inside your vehicle. Sometimes, your keys are in the car and you need to check the right place to locate them. This simple trick can save you from numerous headaches.
If your keys aren't inside the car, it's definitely time to contact an expert. It will cost some money, however it is worth it to not be concerned about being locked out. You should have a spare key to avoid this issue in the future. You can attach keys in a bright color on your keys to aid you in being able to find them. This will ensure that you always know where they are and can find them quickly. This is a very small, but very worth it investment!
2. Empty Your Pockets
It can be a frustrating experience to lose your car keys. It happens more frequently than you think, and is always at the worst time such as when you're running late for work. The best thing you can do in this scenario is to stay calm and follow the steps below.
Retracing your steps is the initial step. This will help you figure out where and when you lost the keys. Afterwards, make sure to thoroughly search your pockets and bags. Also, take a look at your jackets and other outerwear you may have worn. It is also recommended to ask the staff at any restaurants or shops you've went to if they've seen your keys.
Leaving your keys in the pockets of your clothing can be very easy to forget. This is particularly true if you have an extensive pocket inside a coat or jacket. In addition to coats and jackets, it's a good idea look over any bags you have with you. Bags, messenger bags and back packs can all hide keys that are lost. Check the interior of your car to determine if you have any keys.
Take out all pockets from any bags you have on you. Also empty your purse or messenger bag completely. This will allow you to check whether your keys are tucked away inside the lining of the bag. It's also a good idea to use flashlights to illuminate the dark corners of your purse or bag.
You can also walk around the house yelling as loudly as possible "car keys!" It might sound silly, but shouting out the name of something you're trying to find will increase the odds of locating the item.
If you're still unable to find your keys, call an locksmith. They can assist you with an additional car key or even install a new door lock should you require it.
3. Check under the car
It's common for things to get lost in the shuffle of daily chores from grocery shopping to dinner with the family to a day at the park. Sometimes it's a debit card, or your preferred pair of sunglasses, but occasionally it could be most important things like your car keys. If you don't keep an extra, it could cause a lot of inconvenience and be a big headache.
Before you get scared take a deep breath, and begin searching for your car keys that you lost. Start by looking in the most obvious places first. Did you put them on your coffee table while you walked out the door? Or perhaps you put them on the counter to grab something from the fridge, 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, walked through your day to see if you can remember the places you passed while driving to the home. You've emptied every surface you may have walked across. spare car key replacement cost know whether the key fob was lost in the gap between the cushion of the seat and the mat on the floor or was accidentally thrown from your bag when you were reaching inside to get something.
It is crucial to establish a routine to put your keys in the same place each time you come home from work. It can take a few months to make the habit ingrained, but the more you maintain it and the more easy it will be to find your keys the next time you need to. To ensure that you're prepared in case of an emergency, it also helps to include GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your policy, which can save you the cost of a tow vehicle or replacing your lost car keys.
4. Walk Back Through Your Day
It's easy to overlook important things when you're occupied with your day-to-day tasks. This can include running errands and getting together with friends for dinner. The loss of your car keys could be a major setback to your plans.
But before you start frantically 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 get stressed. After you have regained composure, you should retrace the steps you did. When was the last moment you looked at your car keys? This will help you figure out where they may have gone missing.
Then, empty the pockets or bags that you might have used to store them. Also, you should check places that you wouldn't typically think of, like the pockets of your jacket or coat or your shoe. Finally, check the place where you keep your car keys at home. They may have been placed on a table or somewhere in a different location when you entered the house.
If you lose your car keys, it's never enjoyable. However, if you follow these suggestions, you'll be able to locate them quickly, without having to call an locksmith. The best way to avoid this issue in the future is by establishing a designated place for your keys every time you enter your home. After some time you'll become accustomed to it and won't need to worry about losing your keys.