What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work - things are lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.
A new key for all automobiles can be created at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. 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. Doing your best to panic isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make things worse.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last looked at your keys. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket when you got out of the car to go on an appointment, or they might be missing when you were taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If retracing steps isn't working try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a huge issue. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and model year. It is important to always have a spare car key in case you lose your original.
Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they can end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you got out of your car to go into a store.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure you empty them and scrutinize every crevice.
Get help from a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you have a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone or lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's good that most people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your car so you can stash a spare key in it. They are great to hide keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if the key to a person they aren't able to access it without your permission.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, inquiry should be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to spot.
Another place to look is the hood of your car. This is a great place to hide a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Lost car keys can be a real pain however, there are ways to minimize their impact on your daily life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots, and calling the local locksmith to locate your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.
Contact a Locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place, the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to avoid this from happening again. You could also contact the local key duplication business. But, they'll need the exact brand, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.
You'll have visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly in particular if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.
A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can have access to your car without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever attacked or robbed. By declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is to not be in a panic. Instead, you should follow the above steps and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.