What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work - things get lost. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.
A new key for all automobiles can be created at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation worse.
Start by trying remembering when you last saw them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to do an run, or they could have been dropped when you were taking groceries inside. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. After you've jotted down all the possible places where your keys might be, double check each place again. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you lose your only car key.
Before lost car key and no spare begin to panic about losing your only car key, take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you can't see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or put them on your car's dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to a store.
You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
Contact a locksmith when you're unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If, however, you own an older key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can easily be found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places you've previously stored keys. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check these places too.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great to hide keys since they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over a bump and 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 won't be able to open it without your permission.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you do decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the gas cap, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from slipping off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places and contacting an expert locksmith in your area to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.
Call a Locksmith
Unless you have spare keys, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. However, they'll require the exact model, brand, model and year of your car to duplicate a key.
You'll have visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. It can be costly, especially when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
A thing that many don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as dealers, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to help you get back in your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's essential to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. The act of reporting your keys will allow police officers to be on watch for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed ask a friend or family member to assist.