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 smallest things, like keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive option.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get into your car. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic won't help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.
Try to remember the last time you observed them. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to do an run, or they could have been dropped when you were bringing groceries inside. Retracing your steps can help you find your lost keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down every place you went to during the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be in a position to retrieve them right 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 major issue. In the past, a majority of people kept a spare key in a small container that was that was attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your car, particularly the places you normally put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your car's dashboard when you exited your vehicle to go to the store.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If you have a key fob with chip and is it is a newer model, you will be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or simply lost them, it's easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be easily found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places you've previously hidden them. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can put on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a person they won't be able to open it without your permission.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to spot.
The hood is a final spot to look. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank it could be the perfect spot to conceal it because it won't be so obvious. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a real pain but there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. A local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose your car key, you should call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also provide you with advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's a different option but remember that these kinds of businesses usually require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key.
If your car is a more recent model, or if it uses a smart key fob you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your car and can take days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service for less than a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's essential 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 who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. lost a car key to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is to not be in a panic. Try the above steps and, if needed get a family member or friend family to help.
