Car keys are the third most commonly misplaced item1 and can send anyone into a panic. Whether it’s after a long day at work or when you’re just about to enjoy a slice of pizza while watching your favorite show, losing your keys can ruin your evening plans. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent yourself from losing your car key.

Before you get too frustrated and start frantically searching for your car keys, it’s important to take a step back and remember where you last had them. You may have thoughtlessly shoved them into a pocket, or maybe you dropped them on the floor while you reached in your bag for your phone.

It’s natural to return to a spot you’re “sure” you put your keys, so make sure to check all the obvious places first. It’s also helpful to have a friend or family member help you search. They can give you a fresh perspective and might have even spotted your keys in a not-so-obvious place.

Unless you’re in the middle of a car dealership lot, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to buy a replacement for your lost key at the dealer. That’s because most modern keys have a special computer chip inside that needs to be paired with your vehicle. If you go to a locksmith, however, they can usually purchase a generic key that will be a good fit for your car and program it to work.

If you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to call a locksmith, try calling your local auto repair shop. They might be able to program a new key for you, or they may refer you to a more reputable service that can. Either way, it’s still cheaper than having to pay a dealership for a replacement.

If you have a spare key, it’s wise to keep it somewhere separate from your regular keychain. That way, if you do lose your keys, you won’t be stuck waiting for a locksmith or paying for an expensive service at the dealership.

If you’re not able to find your car keys, it’s important to inform the dealership. This will prevent them from being sold to a criminal who could use it to steal your vehicle. It’s also the best way to make sure any potential theft is covered by your insurance. For this reason, GEICO recommends adding Emergency Roadside Service to your policy today. ERS is available 24/7 and you can enroll anytime from the GEICO app or online. It’s just another way GEICO makes car ownership easier. lost car key