Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car keys can be a scary experience. There are several things that you can do before calling roadside help or a locksmith.
Take a step back. This will aid you in finding your keys and give you an opportunity to start from scratch before you take further drastic measures.
1. Retract your Steps
You can be stressed out when you lose your keys. They're easy to lose and you may not be aware of it until you're required to start your vehicle or go to your home. If you do not have a spare, it can also be a bit of an issue to get back in to your vehicle.
You should remain calm and retrace the steps you have taken. This will allow you to locate your keys quickly and avoid having to call a locksmith or head to the dealer for new keys. Most likely, the keys you lost are in close proximity or have been dropped near things you've carried around. It's best to go through your purse, pockets and bags prior to you begin going back to the steps you took.
Asking your family and friends if they've seen your keys is another great way to locate them. They are often able to give you useful information and guide you in the right direction. This is especially helpful if you have roommates or family members.
If you've rummaged through your purses, wallets and bags and are unable to find your keys, it may be time to take a look inside your vehicle. Sometimes, your keys are inside your vehicle and you have to find the right spot to locate them. This simple trick can save you from a lot headaches.
If your keys aren't in the car, it's definitely time to contact a professional. This will cost you some money, but it's worth it to avoid the stress of being locked out. You should get a spare key to avoid this issue in the future. You could even put a brightly colored keychain on your keys to make them easier to spot. This will ensure you'll always be aware of where they are and will be able to locate them quickly. This is a small, but very profitable investment!
2. Empty your Pockets
Losing keys to your car with without a spare can be an extremely frustrating experience. It happens more frequently than you think, and always happens at the worst time such as when you're 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 allow you to determine where and when keys went missing. After that, be sure to thoroughly look through your bags and pockets. Also, check any jackets or other outerwear you may have worn. It is also a good idea to ask the staff at any restaurant or stores you've visited if they've seen your keys.
It's easy to forget your keys inside your clothing's pockets. This is particularly relevant if your jacket coat has a large pocket. In addition to coats and jackets it's a good idea look over any bags you carry around. Bags, messenger bags, and backpacks can all conceal lost keys. Check the inside of your car to determine if you have any keys.
It's a good idea to empty all the pockets of any bag you carry and also to completely empty your messenger or purse bag. This will help you see if any keys are stuck in the lining of your bag. You can also use a flashlight in the darkest areas of your wallet or bag.
Another tip is to walk around the house shouting "car keys!" as loudly as you can. It may sound silly, but studies have revealed that shouting the name of what you're looking for can increase your chances of finding it.
If you're still struggling to find your keys, call locksmith. They'll be able help you obtain the replacement key for your car, and could even install a brand new lock for your door, if needed.
3. Check Under the Car
It's normal for things to get lost in the shuffle of everyday chores from grocery shopping to dinner with the family or an afternoon at the playground. It could be a debit card, your favorite pair sunglasses, or even something more important like the car key. If you don't own a spare, then it could be a major headache and a major inconvenience.
Take a deep breath, and begin looking for your keys. Begin by looking in the most obvious places first. Did you put them on your coffee table when you went out the door? You might have set them on the counter in your kitchen while you were heading to the refrigerator, but then closed the door and then forgot about them.
Make sure to check under the car to see if you've used up all your pockets and purses and then walk around your day to see if you recall where you passed by while driving to the home and emptying every surface you might have seen. You never know if the key fob has fallen into a crack between your seat cushion and the floor mat, or if you accidentally knocked it out of your bag while reaching for something.
Of course, the best way to avoid having a situation similar to this is to establish a habit of putting your keys in the same place when you come home from work. It could take a few months to make it a habit however, the longer you stick to this routine and the more easy it will be to locate your car keys the next time you require them. To ensure that you're ready in case of an emergency, it helps to have GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your policy, which can help you avoid the expense of a tow truck, or replacing lost car keys.
4. Review your day
You can forget important things in the midst of your day-to-day activities. This includes running errands, or even having dinner with friends. Losing your car keys can be a major disruption to your plans.
Take cheap spare car keys before you start calling anyone you know and asking where your keys are. Do not panic. Once you've regained control over your emotions the first thing to do is retrace your steps. When was the last time you remember having keys to your car? This will help you find out where your keys could have disappeared.
Then, empty any pockets or bags that you might have used to store them. You should also check places that you wouldn't typically consider, like the pockets of your jacket or coat or your shoe. You should also check where you keep your keys at home. You might have set them on a table or in a different location when you came inside.
The loss of keys to your car is not enjoyable, but if you follow these tips, you should be able to find them quickly and easily without needing to call a locksmith or your family to seek help. You can avoid this problem in the future by establishing a designated spot for your keys inside. After a few weeks, you'll be accustomed to it and won't need to be concerned about losing your keys.