What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work Things get lost. Sometimes it's the little things like keys.
For most cars keys, a new one can be created at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to be calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and could cause more damage.
Try to remember when you last seen them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to go on an run, or they could be missing while you were taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing all the places you visited during the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes replacing lost car keys drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you may be able to pick them up right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a big deal. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small box connected to their vehicle. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your sole car key.
Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hand. It's normal to juggle keys while you are grabbing something other, and they could end up on the floor where you cannot see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places you normally keep them. You might have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run to a store or maybe you reached into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out.
You should also examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.
Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one right on the spot. If, however, you own an older key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be easily found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously hidden them. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without you.
Another method of hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to see.
One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank, this can be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be so obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys lost in your car on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.
Call for a locksmith
Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do if you've lost your only car key is contact locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and provide you with tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate business. But, they'll require the exact brand, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.
If your car is an older model, or has a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. This can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car, and it can take a few days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It is also recommended to notify the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your car. It is essential not to panic if you have lost your car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.