What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the chaos of life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things like keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be made at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your car's only keys and be unable to get into your car. You could lose time, money and peace of your mind. But the first thing you need to do when you've lost the only car key you have is to remain calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation worse.
Start by trying to recall the last time you had your keys. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to do an run, or they could have been dropped when you were bringing groceries inside. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in no time.
If retracing your steps does not work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could give you clues as to where your keys are. After you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, make sure you examine each location. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big issue. In the past people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their car. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your car's only key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once lost car key replacement have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the places where you usually place them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to run into a store or maybe you reached into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.
You should also examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. If you have a key fob with a chip and an older model, you'll need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
If you were in a hurry to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or you simply forgot your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're distracted. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can be easily found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, it is important to check all of the places you've previously kept keys. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can put on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive on bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative gets the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your assistance.
Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have an enclosed compartment. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you do decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the gas cap, this can be an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be so obvious. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Call a Locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening again. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. However, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or uses a smart fob. It can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance to send professionals to your location to assist you get back into your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing an agent. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This ensures that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it also keeps you safe in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on looking for anyone who might try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you have lost your only car keys. Instead, try the above steps and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.