Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
G28 of your car keys can be a terrifying experience. There are several things that you can do prior to calling for help at the roadside or a locksmith.
The first thing to do is to go back and trace your steps. This will help you locate your keys and provide a place to start before you take further drastic measures.
1. Retract your Steps
You can be stressed out by losing your keys. It's possible that you don't realize you've lost your keys until you need to get inside your home or start your vehicle. If you do not have a spare, it can also be a a hassle to get back into your vehicle.
It is important to remain at peace and go back to the steps you took. This will allow you to locate your keys quickly and prevent needing to call a locksmith or go to the dealership for a new key. Usually, the keys that you lost are within reach or have been dropped near something you've been carrying around. It's a good idea to go through your pockets, purses and bags prior to you begin returning to your steps.
Asking your family and friends if they've seen your keys is another excellent way to find them. You can get helpful information from them and they can guide you in the right direction. This is especially helpful for those who live with roommates or family members.
Check your car if can't locate your keys after searching through your wallets, purses and bags. Sometimes your keys are just in the car, and you must find the right spot to find them. This is a simple procedure that can save you from a lot of hassles.
If your keys aren't in the car, it's definitely time to contact an expert. It will cost you money, but it's well worth it to avoid the anxiety of being locked out. In the future, you should think about getting an extra key made in order to avoid this issue completely. You can attach an attractive keychain color on your keys to aid you in being able to find them. This will allow you to always know where your keys are and find them quickly. This is a tiny but extremely worth it investment!
2. Empty Your Pockets
Lost keys to your car without a spare is a very stressful experience. It happens more often than you think, and usually at the worst time possible, like when you are late to work. In such a situation it is best to remain calm and take these steps.
The first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you identify the location and time when keys went missing. After that, search your pockets and bag thoroughly. Also, look through the coats and jackets you might have worn. It is also recommended to ask the staff at any restaurant or stores you've went to if they've seen your keys.
It's easy to lose your keys inside your clothing's pockets. This is especially true if you've got an extensive pocket inside a jacket or coat. In addition to jackets and coats it's a good idea to look over any bags you carry around. Bags, messenger bags, and back packs can all hide keys that have been lost. Examine the inside of your car to determine if you have any keys.
Empty all pockets from the bags you carry around with your. Also, empty your purse or messenger bag completely. This will allow you to see if your keys are stuck in the lining of the bag. You can also use a flashlight to illuminate the darkest areas of your bag or wallet.
You can also wander around your home shouting louder than you could ever "car keys!" This might sound a little 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 a locksmith. They'll assist you in obtaining an alternative key for your vehicle and could even install a brand new lock for your door, if needed.
3. Check Under the Car
When you're in a whirlwind of errands, from school drop off and pick up to grocery stores or dinner with the children, or even an afternoon at the park - it's unusual for things to slip through the cracks. Sometimes it's a debit or your preferred pair of sunglasses, but occasionally it can be the more important items like your car keys. And if you don't have a spare, then it can be a huge headache and a major inconvenience.
Before you get scared take a deep breath, and begin searching for your lost car keys. It's always a good idea to start with the most obvious places first - for example did you place them down on your coffee table while you were heading out the door? Perhaps you placed them on the counter in the kitchen to grab something out of the fridge, then closed the door and forgot about them.
If you've emptied all of your pockets and purses (and if it was unlocked ask someone to help you search the car well), went back through your day to see the places they might have gone missing, and then wiped out every surface you're likely remember passing by on your way out of the home, it may be time to check under the car. You never know when 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 inside to grab something.
Of course the best way to avoid a situation similar to this is to establish a habit of keeping your keys in the same spot after you return from work. It may take a few months for the habit to become ingrained, but the more you keep it in place the easier it will be to locate your keys next time you need to. If you're looking to be prepared for an emergency, you could also include the GEICO Emergency Roadside Service to your policy. This will save you money on towing or replacing lost keys.
4. Look back over your day
Sometimes you get caught up in the day-to-day shuffle of kids' activities, running errands meeting friends for dinner and trying to complete all of your work tasks that you overlook something crucial. The unfortunate thing is that losing your car keys is just one of those situations that could throw a wrench in all of your plans.
Take your time before calling everyone you know and asking where your keys are. Be careful not to be anxious. Once you've regained control of your emotions, the first thing you should do is retrace your steps. When was the last time you recall having your car keys? This will help you find out where your keys might have disappeared.
Then, empty the pockets or bags that you might have used to store them. You should also look for places you would not typically think of, such as the pockets of your jacket, shoes or coat. You should also check where you keep your keys at home. You may have put them on a table or somewhere away from view when you entered the house.
If you lose your car keys, it's never fun. However, if you follow these tips, you can find them quickly and without calling a locksmith. The best way to avoid this issue in the future is by establishing a designated place for your keys every time you come inside. It might take a little time to get used to this, but after a while it will become a habit and you won't have to be concerned about them getting lost.