Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
Losing your car keys can be a terrifying experience. There are a variety of things you can try before calling assistance at the roadside or a locksmith.
Follow your steps. This will help you find your keys and give you somewhere to start before proceeding to more drastic measures.
1. Retract your steps
Losing your keys is one of the things that could stress you out. It's easy to lose them and you may not be aware of it until you're required to start your car or get into your house. If you don't have a spare, it could be a bit of trouble to get back into your vehicle.
It's essential to remain at peace and then retrace your steps. This will allow you to locate your keys quickly and save you from needing to call a locksmith or go to the dealership for a new key. Your lost keys will usually be close to you or near something that you've carried. It's best to look through your purse, pockets and bags prior to you start going back to the steps you took.
Another way to locate your lost keys is to ask your family or friends members if they've seen them. You can get helpful information from them and they will point you in the correct direction. This is especially useful if you share a home with family or roommates.
If you have combed through your purses, wallets, and bags and can't locate your keys, it could be time to check inside your car. Sometimes, the keys are in the car, and you must check the right place to locate them. This is a simple procedure that could save you from a lot of headaches.
Call a professional if your keys aren’t in the vehicle. It will cost some money, however it is worth it to not worry about being locked out. It is recommended to have a spare key to avoid this issue in the future. You can attach an attractive keychain color on your keys to help you find them. This will ensure that you'll always be aware of where they are and can locate them quickly. This is an investment that is small but will pay off big time in the long run!
2. Empty your pockets
Car keys lost and without a spare can be an extremely frustrating experience. It happens more frequently than you might think and usually happens at the worst possible time such as when you're late to work. In this case it's best to remain calm and adhere to these steps.
The first step is to trace your steps. This will help you identify the exact location and time you lost the keys. After that, search your pockets and bag thoroughly. Also, look through any jackets or coats that you may have worn. It is also a good idea to ask the staff at any restaurants or shops you've went to if they've seen your keys.
If you leave your keys in the pockets of your clothing is a great way to forget. This is especially true if your jacket or coat has a large pocket. You should also examine the bags you carry. Bags, messenger bags and backpacks can all conceal keys that have been lost. You should also check the inside of your vehicle to see if they're there.
Clean out all pockets of any bags you have on you. Also empty your messenger bag or purse completely. This will let you know whether any keys are tucked in the lining of your bag. It's also a good idea to utilize flashlights to illuminate the dark corners of your purse or bag.
Another option is to walk around the house, yelling "car keys!" as loudly as G28 can. This might sound a little silly, but research has revealed that shouting the name of what you're searching for can boost your chances of finding it.
Contact a locksmith if you haven't been able to locate your keys. They can assist you in getting an alternative car key and even install a new door lock if needed.
3. Check under the car
When you're running a series of errands - from school drop off and pick-up to grocery store runs, dinner with the kids, or an afternoon at the park - it's not common for things to get lost in the shuffle. It could be a debit card, your favorite pair sunglasses, or something more important like your car key. And if you don't have an extra, it could be a major troublesome and major hassle.
Take a deep breath and begin searching for your keys. Begin by looking in the most obvious places first. Did you leave them on the coffee table when you went out the door? Perhaps you placed them on the counter to grab something from the fridge, then closed the door and didn't think 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 recall where you passed by on your way to the home and emptying every surface you might have walked across. You never know if the key fob has fallen into a crevice between your seat cushion and the floor mat, or if you accidentally removed it from your bag when you reached for something.
Of course the best method to avoid a situation like this in the future is to establish a routine of keeping your keys in the same location after you return from work. It may take a month or so for it to become a habit however, the longer you keep this routine and the more easy it will be to find your car keys the next time you need them. If you're looking to be prepared for an emergency, you could also add GEICO's 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 chaos of children's activities, running errands having dinner with friends and attempting to complete every single task at hand that you forget something important. Unfortunately, losing your car keys is one of those situations that could cause a disruption to all of your plans.
However, before you begin 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. Once you have regained your calm, you should go back to the steps you took. When was the last time you recall having keys to your car? 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. You should also look for places you would not normally think of, like the pockets of your jacket or shoes or coat. Check the place you keep your keys at home. You may have placed them on a desk or other than the house.
If you lose your car keys, it's never enjoyable. If you follow these tips, you can locate them quickly, without having to call a locksmith. The best way to avoid this kind of issue in the future is by setting up a designated area for your keys every time you enter your home. After a few weeks you'll become accustomed to it and no longer have to worry about losing your keys.