Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car key could be a scary experience. Luckily, there are several things you can try before calling roadside assistance or a locksmith.
The first step is to trace your steps. This will aid you in finding your keys and give you a place to start before you take further drastic measures.
1. Retract Your Steps
The loss of keys is one of the things that can stress you out. You may not realize that they've been lost until you have to enter your home or start your vehicle. If you don't have a spare, it could be a an issue to get back in to your vehicle.
It is important to remain calm and repeat the steps you have taken. This will help you locate your keys faster and avoid needing to contact a dealer or a locksmith to get a new key. Your keys that are lost will generally be near you or in proximity to something you've carried. Before you begin going back to trace your steps it's a good idea to go through your pockets, purses and bags.
Asking your family and friends if they have seen your keys is a great way to locate them. They may be able to provide you with useful information and point you in the right direction. This is especially beneficial for those who live with roommates or family members.
Check your car if can't find your keys after rummaging through your purses, wallets and bags. Sometimes your keys are just inside the car and you need to look in the right spot to find them. This simple step will save you from a lot headaches.
If your keys aren't in the car, it's definitely time to contact an expert. It will cost you money, but it's worth it to avoid the stress of being locked out. In the future, you should think about getting an extra key in order to avoid this issue completely. You can attach a keychain in a bright color on your keys to make it easier to identify them. This will help you to always know where your keys are and locate them quickly. This is a tiny, but very worth it investment!
2. Empty your pockets
Car keys lost and without a spare can be an extremely frustrating experience. It happens more frequently than you think, and usually happens at the worst time, like when you're late for work. The best thing to do in this scenario is to stay calm and follow the steps below.
Retracing your steps is the initial step. This will help you identify the location and time when keys were lost. After that, search your bag and pockets thoroughly. You should also check any jackets or coats that you may have worn. It's also a good idea to ask the staff at any restaurant or stores that you visited if they've seen your keys.
In the pockets of your clothes can be a very easy thing to forget. This is especially true if you have a deep pocket in a coat or jacket. It is also advisable to be aware of any bags you carry. Bags, messenger bags, and back packs can all hide keys that are lost. Check the interior of your car to determine whether you have any keys.
It's a good idea to empty out all of the pockets in any bags that you carry around and also to completely empty your messenger or purse bag. This will allow you to see whether your keys are lodged in the lining of your bag. You can also use a flashlight to illuminate the darkest parts of your wallet or bag.
Another suggestion is to walk around the house, yelling "car keys!" as loudly as you can. This may sound silly, but research has demonstrated that shouting out the name of what you're looking for will increase the likelihood of finding it.
Contact a locksmith if you are still having trouble finding your keys. They can help you get an additional car key or even install a new door lock if needed.
3. Check under the car
It's common for things to be lost in the chaos of daily chores, from grocery shopping to dinner with the family or an afternoon at the playground. Sometimes auto key spares 's a debit or your preferred pair of sunglasses, but sometimes it could be most important items, 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 you, take a deep breath and begin searching to find your car keys. Start by looking at the most obvious locations first. Did you put them on your coffee table as you walked out the door? Or perhaps you put them on the counter to grab something from the fridge, but then closed the door and then forgot about them.
If you've cleaned out all of your purses and pockets (and if the lock was not locked and you didn't have help, ask someone to search the car as well) You've went back through your day to see where they could have gone missing, and then wiped out every surface you're likely to have passed on your way out of the house, then it might be time to check under the car. You never know when the key fob fell into a crevice between your seat cushion and the floor mat or if you accidentally knocked it out of your bag when reaching inside to grab something.
It is crucial to make it a habit to place your keys in the exact same place each time you get home from work. It may take a few months for it to become a habit however, the longer you stick to this routine, the easier it will be to find your car keys next time you need them. If you're looking to be prepared for an emergency, you can also include GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy. This will save you money on towing charges or replacing lost keys.
4. Take a look back at your day
Sometimes, you get caught up in the day-to-day chaos of children's activities, running errands, meeting friends for dinner and attempting to complete all your work-related tasks that you forget to do something important. The unfortunate thing is that losing your car keys is one of those situations that could make a mess of your plans.
Take an exhale before you begin calling everyone you know and asking them where your keys are. Be careful not to panic. Once you have regained your calm, you should go back to the steps you did. When did you last remember having your car keys? This will help you figure the location where your keys may have gone.
Then, make sure to empty your bags and pockets that you might have put them in. It's also recommended to check places you might not normally look like your shoe or in the pocket of a coat or jacket. Also, look around the area where you keep your car keys at home. You may have put them on a table or away from view when you came inside.
Losting keys to your car is never enjoyable, but if follow these steps you will be able find them quickly and conveniently without needing to contact an emergency locksmith or your family to seek help. You can avoid this issue in the future by having an area designated for your keys inside. After a few weeks you'll get used to it and no longer have to be concerned about losing your keys.