Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car keys can be a terrifying experience. There are many things you can try before calling locksmith or roadside assistance.
The first thing to do is to go back and trace your steps. This will aid you in finding your keys and give you an area to begin before you take more drastic measures.
1. Retract your Steps
Losing your keys is just one of those things that can really stress you out. You might not even realize you've lost them until you're forced to get inside your home or start your vehicle. If you don't have a spare, it could be a a hassle to get back in to your vehicle.
It's important to stay calm and first go back to where you started. This will allow you to locate your keys faster and save you from having to call an expert locksmith or dealer to obtain a replacement key. Most likely, the keys you lost are close by or have been dropped near something you've been carrying around. It's best to look through your purse, pockets, and bags before you start retracing your steps.
Asking your family and friends if they've seen your keys is another good way to find them. You can get helpful information from them and they will point you in the correct direction. This can be especially useful when you live with roommates or family members.
Check your car if can't locate your keys after looking through your purses, wallets and bags. Sometimes, the keys are inside the car, and you must check the right place to see them. This simple step can save you from a lot headaches.
If you don't have your keys in the car, it's time to contact a professional. This could cost you dollars, but it's worth it to avoid the anxiety of being locked out. In the future, you should think about getting an extra key to get rid of this issue completely. You can put a keychain in a bright color on your keys to aid you in being able to identify them. This will allow you to always be aware of where your keys are and find them quickly. This is a very small but very profitable investment!
2. Empty Your Pockets
It's a stressful experience to lose your car keys. It happens more than you imagine, and it always happens at the worst time possible, like when you are late for work. In such a situation it is best to remain calm and follow these steps.
The first step is to trace your steps. This will help you identify where and when you lost the keys. After that, search your pockets and bag thoroughly. Also, look through the jackets and coats you may have worn. You can also ask the staff at any restaurant or store you visited to see if your keys were there.
In the pockets of your clothing can be very easy to forget. This is especially true if you have pockets that are deep in your coat or jacket. It is also advisable to examine any bags you carry. Bags, messenger bags, and backpacks can all be hiding spots for keys that are lost. Examine the inside of your vehicle to see whether you have keys.
It's a good idea clear all pockets in any bag you have with you and also to empty your purse or messenger bag. This will let you determine whether your keys are lodged in the lining of your bag. You can also use a flashlight to illuminate the darkest areas of your bag or wallet.
Another suggestion is to go around the house shouting "car keys!" as loudly as you can. It may sound silly, but research has revealed that shouting the name of what you're looking for can increase your chances of finding it.
Contact a locksmith if you are still having trouble finding your keys. They can assist you with a replacement car key and even install a new door lock if needed.
3. Check under the car
If you're caught in a frenzy of errands ranging from school drop off and pick up, grocery run or dinner with the kids, or an afternoon spent at the park - it's common for things to get lost. Sometimes it's a debit or your most loved pair of sunglasses, but other times it can be the more important items like your car keys. And if you don't have an extra, it could be a major hassle and a major issue.
Take a deep breath and start searching for your keys. It's always best to start with the most obvious locations first. For instance, did you set them on the coffee table as you were leaving the house? You may have put them on your kitchen counter while you were going to the fridge 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 purses and pockets, walked through your day to see if it's possible to remember where you went on the way to your home and emptying every surface you could have walked across. You never know whether the key fob was lost in the gap between the seat cushion and floor mat or if it was accidentally knocked out of your bag while you were reaching in to take something out.
Of course, the best method to avoid a situation similar to this is to establish a habit of keeping your keys in the same location when you come home from work. It can take up to a month to make the habit established, but the longer you keep it in place and the more easy it will be to locate your keys next time you need to. To ensure you're prepared in the event in an emergency, it also is beneficial to have GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your insurance policy, which could help you avoid the expense of a tow truck, or replacing lost car keys.
4. Review your day
It's easy to overlook important things when you're occupied with your day-to-day tasks. This includes running errands and getting together with friends for dinner. Losing your car keys can be a major disruption to your plans.
Take your time before you start calling everyone you know and asking where your keys are. Do not be anxious. After you have regained confidence, you can retrace the steps you took. When did you last thought of seeing your car keys? This will help you pinpoint where they might have gone missing.
Next, empty any pockets or bags you might have used to store them. You should also look for places you might not normally think of, such as the pockets of your jacket, coat or your shoe. Also, look around the area where you keep your keys to your car at home. You may have placed them on a desk or other than the home.
If you lose your car keys, it's never fun. But if you use these suggestions, you'll be able to find them quickly without calling a locksmith. You can avoid this problem in the future by having a designated spot for your keys inside your. After a few weeks you'll get used to it and won't need to be concerned about losing your keys.