What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends things are lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff such as keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able access your vehicle. You could lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can cause more damage.
Try to remember when you last observed them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to do an appointment, or they might be missing while you were bringing groceries inside. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you clues as to where your keys are. Double check every place you wrote down. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll 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 key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and year of manufacture. It's important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.
Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you can't see them.
The next step is thoroughly search your car, particularly the areas where you typically put them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store or maybe you walked into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.
You should also check 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 and look carefully through every crevice.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob with chip and is a more recent model, you will need to contact the dealership to get a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or call or you simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer on your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your car so you can store a spare key in it. They are ideal to hide keys since they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a person, they can't open it without you.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.
The hood is the final place to check. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank it could be an ideal spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.
Car keys lost can be a real pain, but there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to retract your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Call for a locksmith
If you've lost the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. However, car keys lost no spare will require the exact type, make, and year of your car to duplicate a key.
You'll have visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your car and can take a few days or even weeks.
A thing that many don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as dealerships, but at less cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as possible, too. 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. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from charges of criminality if someone does try to take your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, try the steps above and ask for the help of a family member if needed.