Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car keys can be a terrifying event. There are a variety of things you can do prior to calling roadside help or a locksmith.
The first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you locate your keys and provide you an idea of where to begin before you move on to more drastic measures.
1. Retract your Steps
You could be stricken when you lose your keys. It's easy to lose them and you may not realize it until you're required to start your car or get into your home. If you don't have a spare, it can also be a bit of an issue to get back into your vehicle.
It is important to remain calm and retrace the steps you took. This will allow you to locate your keys quickly and avoid needing to call a locksmith or go to the dealership to purchase new keys. Your keys that are lost will generally be near you or in proximity to something you've carried. Before you start going back to trace your steps it's a good idea to go through your purses, pockets and bags.
Asking your family and friends if they have seen your keys is another great way to locate them. You can gather valuable information from them and they can point you in the correct direction. This is especially helpful if you live with roommates or family members.
If you've searched through your wallets, purses and bags but can't find your keys, it might be time to take a look inside your vehicle. You might find that your keys are in the vehicle, and you need to look at the right place to find them. This is a straightforward step that can save you a lot of hassles.
Call a professional if your keys aren't in the vehicle. This could cost you money, but it's worth it to avoid the stress of being locked out. It is recommended to have a spare key to avoid this issue in the future. You can put keys in a bright color on your keys to make it easier to identify them. This will help you to always know where your keys are, and also locate them quickly. This is a small, but very worth it investment!
2. Empty your Pockets
Losing keys to your car with having no spare keys can be an extremely frustrating experience. It happens more often than you think, and usually happens at the worst time such as when you're running late for work. The best option in this circumstance is to stay calm and follow the steps below.
Retracing your steps is the initial step. This will help you identify the location and time when keys were stolen. Then, thoroughly search your pockets and bags. You should also check the jackets and coats you may have worn. It is also a good idea to ask the staff at any restaurant or shops you've went to if they've seen your keys.
In the pockets of your clothes can be a very easy thing to forget. This is especially true if you have an extensive pocket inside a coat or jacket. You should also be aware of your bags. Bags, messenger bags, and backpacks are all places to hide keys that have been lost. You should also check the inside of your vehicle to see if they're there.
It's a good idea clear all pockets of any bag you carry around and to empty your purse or messenger bag. This will help you see if any keys are stuck in the bag's lining. You can also use a flashlight in the darkest places of your bag or wallet.
Another option is to go around the house shouting "car keys!" as loudly as you can. This may sound silly, but studies have demonstrated that shouting out the name of the item you're looking for will increase the likelihood of finding it.
Contact a locksmith if are still unable to find your keys. They can assist you with an alternative car key and even install a new lock for your door in the event of need.
3. Check under the car
When you're running a series of errands, from school drop off and pick up, grocery store runs and dinner with your children, or even an afternoon in the park - it's not unusual for things to get lost. Sometimes it's a debit or your favorite pair of sunglasses, but sometimes it could be most important things like your car keys. If you don't own an extra set, it can cause a massive headache and a major inconvenience.
Relax and start searching for your keys. It's always best to start with the obvious locations first - for example did you place them on the coffee table as you were leaving the house? Perhaps order spare key for car placed them on the counter in the kitchen to grab something from the fridge, but then shut the door and didn't think about them.
Make sure to check under the car if you've emptied all of your purses and pockets and then walk around your day to see if you can remember where you went on your way to the house and emptied every surface you could have walked across. You never know if the key fob fell into the crevice between the seat cushion and mat on the floor or was accidentally knocked out of your bag while you were reaching inside to grab something.
Of course, the best way to avoid having a situation similar to this is to establish a routine of placing your keys in the same spot after you return from work. It may take a few months to make it a habit, but the longer you can maintain this routine, the easier it will be to locate your car keys next time you require them. If you want to be prepared in the event of an emergency, you could also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy. This will help you save money on towing costs or replacing keys that have been lost.
4. Look back over your day
Sometimes, you get distracted by the day-today shuffle of kids' activities, running errands, going out with friends for dinner, and trying to accomplish all your work-related tasks that you overlook something crucial. For many, losing your car keys is one of those events that can throw a wrench in all of your plans.
Before you begin calling anyone you know to ask whether they know where your car keys are take a deep breath and be careful not to get stressed. Once you've regained control of your emotions, the first thing you need to do is go back to where you started. What was the last time you looked at your car keys? This will help you figure out where your keys could have disappeared.
Then, make sure to empty your bags and pockets that you may have put them in. You should also look for places you would not normally consider, like the pockets of your jacket or coat or your shoe. Examine the location where you keep your keys at home. You may have put them on a table or somewhere in a different location when you came inside.
The loss of your car keys is never enjoyable, but if you adhere to these guidelines you will be able find them quickly and easily, without needing to call a locksmith or family members for help. You can avoid this issue in the future by making the designated place for your keys inside. It may take a time to get used to this however, after a few weeks it will become a habit and you won't have to be concerned about them being lost.