7 Things You Should Do If You Lost Your Car Keys

Losing your car keys feels like the end of the world, but don’t panic! While there is nothing more disconcerting than realizing that you are stranded although your own car is there and available, it is a situation that you can handle! There are seven important steps you must follow to make sure that your day changes back to a pleasant and happy one.

1. The obvious first step in solving the problem includes finding the lost keys. While this seems obvious and impossible, there are preliminary things you can do to make that task easier. First, you can add a tracking device to your key ring that can use a smart phone or computer to find your keys. This can save a lot of time, especially if your keys are just out of sight. Have you ever found a lost item after many months in a rarely used coat pocket or tucked under a piece of furniture? Even if you clean regularly and take good care of your possessions, there are ways to lose keys that are almost impossible to predict or figure out. Preparing for the worst case scenario and adding a tracking device to your keys can save a lot of time and trouble later. It is also helpful to keep a set of keys with a family member or deeply trusted friend.

2. Keeping spare keys in a safe place can also help with avoiding problems with lost keys. The first step is to utilize every idea you might have to try to find your keys or retrieve spare keys from your own hiding places, but a second step may be to get your spare key from a friend, relative, or safe deposit box. It is always a good idea to provide this back-up plan in case you need it. We all make mistakes and need help from friends and family. Even if you have your keys safely stowed away with family, they may not be available at the moment when you need them. There are some times when premeditated attempts to retrieve your car keys fail. In this case you must move on to the next step.

3. There are older styles of cars that can be unlocked with equipment used by police officials or mechanics. Before the days of car alarms or other security devices, one could access the lock through mechanical means and open the car. This can be done through the door in some makes of cars or through the back latch of the car. While this method is very limited, it is worth trying if you have an older make of car. If you or a friend try to use one of the methods to open a door with a mechanical device, such as a slim jim or wedge & hook, you should make sure that they are experienced so that there is no damage to your car; especially your windows.

4. If you are fortunate enough to lock your keys into your car near a new car dealership and you have your proof of purchase and identification with you, you can go to the dealership and get help with the problem. You will need to provide the title, which is often not on site when you are in an emergency situation. However, if you have the time to get your title and identification, this is a way to be sure that you can get into your car without doing any damage to the car itself. You can also rest assured that the proceedings will be managed with professionalism and legality. However, it may not be a good option if you are in a hurry or if you don’t have all of your documentation readily available. It can also be a costly endeavor and the available times and locations for services may be limited.

5. Your best bet for a quick fix that will not damage your car may be a call to your local locksmith. Because working with locks is their main profession and all of their training and experience is channeled into this work, you can often find a quick, reasonable solution by calling a locksmith. Make sure that you call someone who is reputable. You want a locksmith who is trained and certified so that you don’t chance a problem with poorly trained people who don’t really know how to manage the intricacies of your specific vehicle. Some cars are easier to access than others. Also, the security systems can pose a problem. A highly qualified locksmith can overcome issues and manage to get your car open without a great deal of expense or delay.

6. If you do choose to use a locksmith, choose wisely by getting someone local who is available 24 hours a day. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could plan our emergencies for day time or week days? However, life often gets out of control at the most inconvenient times. Make sure that you choose a service that is reliable and has trained and certified people working when you need them.

7. Emergency services may be available if you are in a dangerous situation. For example, if you are somehow parked in an area where your car poses a risk for traffic or other people, emergency services may need to be called to provide a swift solution.

If you are ever in a position where a child is locked in a car, do not spend time worrying about cost, efficiency, or difficulties. It is extremely important to immediately contact help and retrieve the child. The safety of the car is not of concern in a situation like this.

As you can see from this list, prevention can be a big help in the case of losing keys. Try to add tracking devices or secure a second set of keys with a reliable resource. Also, make sure that you are already familiar with a local locksmith who can be available when you are in need so that you will always be prepared for any kind of security emergency.