What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be made at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able get in your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your car is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could cause more damage.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last saw your keys. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you got out of your car to go on an errand, or they may be missing when you were carrying groceries into the house. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your lost keys in no time at all.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Check every spot you wrote down. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big issue. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their vehicle. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and the year of its model. It is essential to keep a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Take your time 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 find it. Begin by retracing your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car, where you don't even see them.
The next step is thoroughly search your car, particularly the places you normally keep them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a shop, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for help. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can request a replacement right away. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or simply lost them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse, 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 magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your car so you can stash a spare key in it. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative receives the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.
Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this technique, you can use dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to find.
The hood is the final location to check. It's a good spot to conceal keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a real pain but there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your daily life. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you've lost your car key, you should call locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy a key correctly.
You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or uses a smart fob. It can be expensive and especially if you need to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith costs or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to your home to help you get back into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also recommended to notify the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on watch for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In lost keys for car could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is that you should never panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to assist.