What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, and so on. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the tiniest things like keys.
A new key for most cars can be made in your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and be unable to get into your car. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys more quickly and may cause more damage.
Try to remember the last time you observed them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you got out of the car to do an run, or they could be missing when you were taking groceries inside. Retracing lost key to car can aid in finding your lost keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each place again. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big problem. In the past, a majority of people kept a spare key in a small box attached to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case you lose your only car key.
Take your time before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down, you can work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they can end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the areas where you typically put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you exited your vehicle to go to an establishment.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith for help. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key with chips and is a more recent model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
Whether you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and chat on the phone or even lost your keys it's easy to lose them when you are busy. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be easily found in the right spot. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if the key to a relative, they can't open it without your permission.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it difficult for thieves to spot.
The hood is one last spot to look. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas, this can be a great spot to hide it since it won't be so obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.
There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact for a locksmith
If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also give you tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these types of establishments typically require the exact make, model and year of your car in order to copy the correct key.
If your car is an older model, or utilizes a smart key fob you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.
One thing that many people do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealerships however at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to help you get into your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By notifying your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to take your car. It is essential not to panic if you lose the keys to your car. Instead, try the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member if needed.