Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
Losing your car keys can be a terrifying experience. There are many options to consider before calling roadside assistance or a locksmith.
Retrace your steps. This will help you locate your keys and provide you somewhere to start before moving on to more drastic measures.
1. Retract Your Steps
Losing your keys is one of the things that can cause stress. It's easy to lose them and you may not be aware of it until you're required to start your vehicle or go to your home. It can be a challenge to get into your vehicle when you don't have a spare.
It is important to remain calm and repeat the steps you took. This will allow you to locate your keys quickly and prevent having to call a locksmith or go to the dealer for the new key. Your lost keys will usually be close to you or close to something you've been carrying. It's best to comb through your pockets, purses and bags prior to you begin going back to the steps you took.
Another great way to find your keys that are lost is to ask your friends or family members if they've seen them. They may be able to give you useful details and point you in the right direction. This is particularly helpful if you have roommates or family members.
Make sure you check your car if cannot locate your keys after searching through your wallets, purses and bags. Sometimes, the keys are inside your car and you need to look in the right spot to see them. This is a simple procedure that will save you a lot of hassles.
Contact a professional if you suspect your keys aren't in the vehicle. It will cost you dollars, but it's worth it to avoid the anxiety of being locked out. You should have an extra key to avoid this issue in the future. You could even put a brightly colored keychain to make them easier to locate. This will ensure you'll always be aware of where they are and will be able to locate them quickly. This is an investment of a few dollars that will pay off big time in the long in the long run!
2. Empty your pockets
It can be a frustrating experience to lose your car keys. It happens more frequently than you think, and always at the worst time possible such as when you are late to work. In this case, it's best to stay calm and follow these steps.
The first step is to trace your steps. This will help you identify where and when keys were lost. After that, search your pockets and bag thoroughly. Also, look over any jackets or outerwear that you might have worn. You can also ask the staff at any stores or restaurants you went to if the keys were in your possession.
It is easy to forget your keys in your clothing's pockets. This is particularly true if you have a deep pocket in a coat or jacket. In addition to coats and jackets, it's a good idea check any bags you carry. Messenger bags, purses and backpacks can all be hiding places for lost keys. Check the inside of your vehicle to see whether you have keys.
It is a good idea to clear all pockets in any bags that you carry and also to completely empty your purse or messenger bag. This will allow you to see whether your keys are tucked away in the lining of your bag. It's also a good idea to use a flashlight to shine into the dark areas of your bag or purse.
You can also walk around your home shouting as loudly as you can "car keys!" This may sound absurd, but research has revealed that shouting the name of what you're searching for can boost your chances of finding it.
If you're still struggling to locate your keys, contact locksmith. They can help you get an alternative car key and even install a new lock for your door if needed.
3. Check under the car
It's normal for things to be lost in the chaos of everyday chores, from grocery shopping to dinner with the family or an afternoon at the playground. It could be a credit card, your favorite pair sunglasses, or something more important, like the car key. If spare car key don't have an extra set, it could cause a lot of inconvenience and cause a lot of stress.
Take a deep breath, and start searching for your keys. Begin by looking in the most obvious locations first. Did you put them on your coffee table while you walked out the door? Or perhaps you put them on the counter in the kitchen to get something from the fridge, but then shut the door and then forgot about them.
If you've cleaned out all of your purses and pockets (and if it was unlocked ask someone to help you search the car well), went back through your day to find out the places they might have gone missing, and exhausted every surface you're likely to remember passing by as you left the home, it may be time to look under the car. You never know if the key fob has fallen into a crevice between your seat cushion and floor mat, or if you accidentally dropped it out of your bag when you reached 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 after you return from work. It can take up to a month to make the habit ingrained, but the more you stick to it, the easier it is to find your keys the next time you'll need them. To ensure you're prepared in case in an emergency, it helps to include GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your policy, which can help you avoid the expense of a tow truck or replacing your lost car keys.
4. Review your day
Sometimes you just get so distracted by the day-today routine of your kids' activities, running errands going out with friends for dinner and attempting to complete every single task at hand that you overlook something crucial. Unfortunately, losing your car keys is one of those situations that could make a mess of your plans.
Take an exhale before you begin calling anyone you know and asking where your keys are. Be careful not to be anxious. Once you've regained control over your emotions, the first thing you should do is retrace your steps. When was the last moment you looked at your car keys? This will help you figure out where your keys could have been.
Then, empty the pockets or bags that you might have used to store them. It's also a good idea to search in places you would not normally look, such as your shoe or in the pocket of a jacket or coat. Finally, check the place where you keep your car keys at home. You may have put them on a table or somewhere in a different location when you came inside.
If you lose your car keys, it's not fun. 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 problem in the future is to creating a designated spot for your keys every time you enter your home. It might take a little time to get used this, but after a while, it'll become a habit and you won't need to worry about them getting lost.