Losing your car keys can throw anyone into a fit of panic. There’s nothing more inconvenient than trying to get somewhere on time only to discover your keys are nowhere to be found. It’s not unusual to find yourself in a situation like this, especially if you’re running a lot of errands or coming back from a long day at work.
When this happens, the first thing you should do is retrace your steps. You’re bound to have set them down somewhere, so be sure to check any surface you’ve been over — maybe the seat or the floor. It’s also worth checking pockets of the clothes you were wearing or any bags you might have had on you. You never know if you reached into your bag to grab something and knocked your keys out with it. Finally, it’s always worth giving the spare key a look in case you left them there.
The next step should be to call a locksmith or the dealer, depending on the type of key you have and whether it has a chip in it. A standard key is usually mechanical and can be replaced at any locksmith, but if you have a transponder key that connects with the car’s computer to start it, you’ll need to go to the dealership to get a replacement.
Regardless of which place you decide to get your new key, you’ll need to have the key code with you. The locksmith or the dealership will need this number to program a new key to your car’s system and ensure it works properly. This can take up to a few days and will cost you money if the dealer isn’t offering a discount.
While you wait for your new key to be made, try not to stress out too much. Most people lose their keys at some point, and it’s important to stay calm in order to avoid making the situation worse by acting out of anger or frustration. You may even find that you’re able to locate your lost keys once you take a few deep breaths and stop panicking.
You can also try to prevent losing your car keys by having a friend or neighbor keep a copy of them for you. This isn’t a guarantee that you won’t ever lose your keys, but it will save you from the hassle of having to retrace your steps or visit a locksmith again in the future.
While you’re waiting for your new key to be made, it’s a good idea to consider getting your car insurance to cover the cost of a replacement. Many providers offer this, and it can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run. Just be sure to read the fine print before signing up so you understand how much it’ll cost in the event of a loss. lost car key