What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work things get lost. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.
For most vehicles, a new key can be made at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.
Retract Your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you must do when you've lost your only car key is to remain calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make things worse.
Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to do an appointment, or they might have been dropped while you were bringing groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with an idea of where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a big deal. In the past, a majority of people kept a spare key in a small box that was attached to their car. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and year of the model. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in case you lose the original.
Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and consider the last time you held keys in your hands. It's normal to hold keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to be able to see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search your car, especially the places you normally keep them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run into a store or perhaps you went to your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out.
It is also important to look through your purses, pockets, and bags. g28carkeys to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be 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 can usually make you a new one on the spot. However, if you've got an older key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's good that most people keep a spare key in their home or workplace that they can easily locate. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if the key to a person, they can't open it without your permission.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to use this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to find.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the gas cap it could be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Use a tape that is strong 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 missing from your car in your daily routine. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also save you time and money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to contact locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and give you tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses usually require the specific model, make and year of your car to duplicate a key correctly.
If your car is a newer model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be expensive, especially if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as a dealership however at less cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance to send professionals to your location to help you get back into your car.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It's essential to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also notify police of anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is that you should never panic. Instead, try the above steps and ask for the help of a family member, if needed.