What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the chaos of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. It's not always the big things. Sometimes, it's the little things, like keys.
For most cars keys, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.
Retract Your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and be unable to get into your car. You may lose time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you should do when you've lost your car keys is to be calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could cause more damage.
Try to remember when lost car key with no spare saw them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to go on an appointment, or they might be missing when you were bringing groceries inside. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing your steps does not work, you can try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Check every spot you recorded. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big problem. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your sole car key.
Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.
Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or put them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go to an establishment.
Also, you should look through your purses, pockets, and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.
If you still can't find your keys, you need to call a locksmith for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. However, if you have an older key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Be aware of your hiding spots
Whether you were in a hurry to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even lost your keys It's easy to forget them when you are busy. It's a good thing the majority of people have an extra key in their office or home that they can easily find. If you have an extra key, it is essential to examine all places where you have previously kept keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these places too.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. These are perfect to hide keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot 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 your permission.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.
The hood is a final spot to look. This is a great place to hide a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose your car keys You should contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. However, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.
You'll need to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses a smart fob. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.
A thing that many don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as a dealership but at a fraction of the cost. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your home to help you get back in your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing an agent. You should also 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 case 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 worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not be in a state of panic. Follow the steps above and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family to help.