Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
Losing your car key can be a frightening experience. There are a variety of things you can do prior to calling roadside assistance or locksmith.
Take a step back. This will help you locate your keys and give you an area to begin before you take any more drastic steps.
1. Retract your Steps
It's easy to be stressed by the loss of your keys. It's possible that you don't realize you've lost them until you have to get into your home or start your car. If you do not have a spare, it could be a a hassle to get back in to your vehicle.
It is important to remain at peace and then go back to where you started. This will allow you to locate your keys faster and save you from needing to contact a dealer or a locksmith to obtain a replacement key. Usually, your lost keys are within reach or were dropped near things you've carried around. It's a good idea go through your purse, pockets and bags prior to you start retracing your steps.
Asking your family and friends if they've seen your keys is another good way to find them. They may be able to provide you with useful details and point you to the right direction. This can be especially useful if you are living with roommates or family members.
If you've rummaged through your purses, wallets, and bags and can't find your keys, it may be time to look inside your vehicle. Sometimes, the keys are in the car, and you must look in the right spot to locate them. This simple step can save you from many headaches.
If you don't have your keys in the car, it's definitely time to get a professional. It's going to cost you money but it's worth it to not have to be concerned about being locked out. In the future, you should think about getting a spare key made to get rid of this issue completely. You could even put a brightly colored keychain on your keys to make them easier to spot. This will ensure you'll always know where they are and will be able to locate them quickly. This is an investment that is small but will pay off big time in the long time!
2. Empty your Pockets
Car keys lost and without a spare is a very stressful experience. It happens more frequently than you think, and usually at the worst times such as when you're late to work. In this situation it is best to remain calm and take these steps.
The first step is to trace your steps. This will help you determine where and when keys were lost. Then, go through your pockets and bag thoroughly. Also, look over your jackets and other outerwear you may have worn. It is also recommended to ask the staff at any restaurants or stores you've visited if they've noticed your keys.
It is easy to forget your keys in your clothes' pockets. This is especially true if you have a deep pocket in a coat or jacket. In addition to coats and jackets it's a good idea to examine any bags that you carry around. Purses, messenger bags and backpacks are all hiding spots for keys that are lost. Check the inside of your vehicle to see whether you have keys.
It's a good idea to empty out all of the pockets in any bags that you have with you, as well as to completely empty your messenger or purse bag. This will help you see the presence of keys inside the bag's lining. You can also use a flashlight in the darkest areas of your bag or wallet.
Another suggestion is to walk around the house shouting "car keys!" as loudly as you can. It may sound silly, but shouting out the name of something you are trying to find will increase the odds of finding the item.
If you're unable to find your keys, call a locksmith. They can assist you with an additional car key or even install a new lock for your door should you require it.
3. Check under the car
If you're caught in a frenzy of errands, from school drop off and pick up to grocery stores or dinner with the children, or even an afternoon at the park, it's not uncommon for things to get lost in the shuffle. Sometimes it's a debit or your most loved pair of sunglasses, but other times it's most important things like your car keys. If you don't have an extra set, it could cause a lot of hassle and cause a lot of stress.
Take a deep breath, and begin searching for your keys. It's always best to start with the obvious locations first. For instance did you place them on your coffee table when you were heading out the door? Or perhaps you put them on the counter to get something from the fridge, then closed the door and didn't think about them.
Make sure to check under the car if you've emptied all of your purses and pockets, walk through your day to see if you remember the places you passed on the way to your house and emptied every surface you may have seen. You don't know if the key fob was lost in the crevice between the cushion of the seat and the floor mat or if it was accidentally knocked from your bag when you were reaching inside to grab something.
Of course the best way to avoid a situation similar to this is to establish a routine of keeping your keys in the same location when you come home from work. get a spare car key could take a month or two to make it a habit, but the longer you can maintain this routine and stick to it, the easier it will be to locate your car keys the next time you require them. If you're looking to be prepared in the event of an emergency, you can 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
You can forget important things when you're occupied with your day-to-day tasks. This includes running errands, or even getting together with friends for dinner. Losing your car keys can be a major disruption to your plans.
Take an exhale before you start calling everyone you know and asking them where your keys are. Try not to be anxious. Once you've gained control of your emotions the first thing to do is retrace your steps. What was the last time you looked at your car keys? This will help you figure out where they might have gone missing.
Then, make sure to empty your pockets and bags that you might have put them in. Also, you should check places you would not normally consider, like the pockets of your jacket, coat or your shoe. Check the place you keep your keys at home. You may have put them on a table or else out of sight as you entered.
Losting your car keys is never enjoyable, but if you adhere to these guidelines, you should be able to find them quickly and easily, without needing to contact a locksmith or family members to seek help. You can avoid this issue in the future by making an area designated for your keys inside. It might take a little 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 getting lost.