Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car key could be a frightening experience. There are a few things you can do before calling for help at the roadside or locksmith.
The first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you locate your keys and give you an opportunity to start from scratch before you take further drastic measures.
1. Retract Your Steps
The loss of keys is one of those things that can really stress you out. It's easy to lose them and you may not realize it until you need to start your car or enter your home. If you don't have a spare, it could be a trouble to get back in to your vehicle.
Be calm and repeat the steps you have taken. This will allow you to find your keys quicker and save you from having to call an expert locksmith or dealer to get a new key. Usually, your lost keys are in close proximity or dropped in the vicinity of the item you've been carrying around. Before you start retracing steps it's a good idea to look through your purses, pockets and bags.
Asking your family and friends if they have seen your keys is a great way to locate them. They can often give you useful information and point you in the right direction. This is especially useful for those who live with roommates or family members.
If you have combed through your wallets, purses and bags but can't locate your keys, it may be time to take a look inside your vehicle. You may find that your keys are in the vehicle and you have to look in the right place to find them. This is a straightforward step that could save you from a lot of hassles.
Contact a professional if you suspect your keys aren't inside the vehicle. It will cost some money but it's well worth it to not have to worry about being locked out. You should have an extra key to avoid this issue in the future. You can attach keys in a bright color on your keys to make it easier to see them. This will ensure you'll always know where they are, and will be able to locate them quickly. This is a very small but very profitable investment!
2. Empty your pockets
It can be a traumatic experience to lose your car keys. It happens more often than you think, and usually happens at the worst possible time such as when you're late to work. The best thing to do in this scenario is to stay calm and follow the steps below.
Retracing your steps is the first step. This will help you determine the exact location and time you lost your keys. After that, go through your pockets and bag thoroughly. Also, check your jackets and other outerwear you may have worn. You could also ask the staff in any establishments or stores you visited if the keys were there.
In the pockets of your clothing can be a very easy thing to forget. This is particularly true if you have a deep pocket in a jacket or coat. Also, you should be aware of your bags. Messenger bags, purses and backpacks could all be hiding places for lost keys. Also, you should check the inside of your vehicle to see whether they're there.
Clean out all pockets of any bags you carry with your. Also empty your messenger bag or purse completely. This will let you know the presence of keys in the lining of your bag. It's also a good idea to utilize a flashlight to shine into the dark areas of your purse or bag.
You can also stroll around the house shouting as loudly as possible "car keys!" getting a spare key for my car might sound a little silly, but studies have revealed that shouting the name of the item you're looking for can increase your chances of finding it.
Contact a locksmith if you haven't been able to locate your keys. They can assist you with an additional car key or even install a new door lock in the event of need.
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 even an afternoon spent at the park - it's uncommon for things to get lost. Sometimes it's a debit or your preferred pair of sunglasses, but sometimes it's most important things like your car keys. If you don't own a spare, then it could be a major hassle and a major issue.
Before you get scared take a deep breath and start searching for your car keys that you lost. It's always a good idea to start with the most obvious locations first. For instance did you put them down on the coffee table as you were walking out the door? Or perhaps you put them on the counter to get something from the fridge, but then closed the door and forgot about them.
If you've cleaned out all of your pockets and purses (and if the lock was not locked, have someone help you search the car well), went back through your day to find out where they may have gone missing, and sifted through every surface you're likely remember passing by when you leave the home, it could be time to take a look under the car. You never know if the key fob fell into a crack between your seat cushion and floor mat or if you dropped it out of your bag while reaching in to grab something.
It is crucial to make it a habit to put your keys in the same place each when you return home from work. It may take a month or so to make it a habit, but the longer you keep this routine and stick to it, the easier it will be to locate your car keys when you require them. If you're looking to be prepared in the event of an emergency, you could also include the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy. This will save you money on towing charges or replacing keys lost.
4. Look back over your day
Sometimes, you get caught up in the day-to-day shuffle of kids' activities, running errands having dinner with friends, and trying to accomplish all of your work tasks that you forget something important. The loss of your car keys could be a major setback to your plans.
However, before you begin calling everyone you know to ask whether they know where your car keys are, take a deep breath and try not to panic. Once you've regained control over your emotions, the first thing you need to do is go back to where you started. When was the last moment you saw your car keys? This will help you find out where your keys could have disappeared.
Then, make sure to empty your bags and pockets that you may have put them in. It's also an excellent idea to check places you would not normally look, such as your shoe or the pocket of a jacket or coat. You should also check where you keep your keys at home. They may have been placed on a table or else when you entered the house.
Losing your car keys is never enjoyable, but if adhere to these guidelines, you will be able find them quickly and conveniently without having to contact an emergency locksmith or your family to seek help. The best method to avoid this kind of problem in the future is by creating a designated spot for your keys every time you come inside. It might take a while to get used to this but after a while it will become a routine and you won't need to worry about them getting lost.