How to Get Back Your Lost Car Key

Losing your car key can be an extremely stressful situation. But, there are several things you can do to get it back.

First, retrace your steps and check everywhere you went that day. Also, look in every pocket and bag you have with you. Hopefully, you will find it in one of those places.
1. Retract Your Steps

We’ve all been there: it’s the end of a long day, you’re finally home, and you’re ready to change into comfy sweatpants, eat pizza, and binge watch your favorite show. But then you realize that your car keys are nowhere to be found.

Your rational brain will kick in at this point, and you’ll want to retrace your steps. Look in places that you might have absentmindedly dropped them, such as the pockets of your jacket or pants. You should also check areas that your baby or pet could reach, such as under the couch or tucked inside a toy truck.

If you think that your key is stuck in the ignition, shift into neutral and try jiggling it. If this doesn’t work, it may be time to call a locksmith or car dealership.
2. Look Inside Your Car

A lost car key can ruin your day. All you want to do is change into comfy sweats, grab some pizza, and binge watch your favorite show — but then, you realize your keys are missing!

Before you start searching in every bag and pocket, take a quick look inside your car. Sometimes, you’ll find them in a place you least expect. You may have left them on the dashboard when you sat down to eat, or maybe they fell out when you reached into your purse for your phone.

If you still can’t find your keys, it might be time to call AAA or a locksmith. These services can create a new key for you and reprogram the car’s immobilizer system. However, this service will likely cost you a significant sum.
3. Check Your Bag or Backpack

It’s important to check your handbag or backpack when you lose a car key. Small items like keys can easily fall out of pockets, especially if you’re wearing a jacket with several pockets or a purse with multiple compartments.

If you have a bag with a bright D-ring or lanyard, they’re more likely to stand out against your other accessories and are easier to find when they get lost. It also helps to decorate your keys or use a color-coded keychain so they’re easy to spot in a hurry.

Try to make losing your keys a thing of the past by developing a habit of always storing them in the same place. This will help you avoid having to call a locksmith and will also make it much faster to find them when you’re in a rush.
4. Call Your Insurance Company

Not long ago, misplacing a car key was no big deal. Nowadays, it can be an expensive inconvenience. Luckily, many insurance providers offer lost key coverage.

If you lose your keys, report them to your insurer right away. This will ensure that no one else can use them to drive your vehicle. If they do, they may get a ticket or cause damage to your vehicle and home.

Losing your car keys can ruin your day and put a major dent in your plans. Try to retrace your steps and keep a spare key handy. Also, check if your insurance provider offers lost key insurance to save time and money. Alternatively, you can compare car insurance to find a provider that provides this service as part of its coverage.
5. Contact Your Car Dealership

It’s no secret that a lost car key can be a major hassle. After all, they are your ticket to mobility and if they’re gone, you’re stuck! Fortunately, there are ways to fix this problem without breaking the bank.

The first step is to determine what kind of key you have. Traditional keys are the most common and can typically be replaced by a locksmith.

However, newer cars use a transponder key which requires a visit to your dealership. This is because these keys need to be programmed to your specific vehicle. This can take several days and could cost up to $200. Fortunately, some dealerships outsource this task to local automotive locksmiths. This can save you up to 50%.