What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff like keys.
For most cars, a new key can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get into your car. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you lose your only car key is to be calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.
Try to remember the last time you observed them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you got out of your car to run an errand, or they may have been lost while you were carrying groceries into the house. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a major issue. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and year of the model. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose your original.
Take your time before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace lost a car key how to replace , and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where they aren't visible.
The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, especially the places where you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard after you exited your vehicle to go to the store.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one right on the spot. If you have a key with chip and is a more recent model, you will need to contact the dealership to request a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be found in the right spot. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. These are great for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over bumps, and they will also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage units have combination locks, so that even if a friend gets the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your assistance.
Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the gas cap it could be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a real pain however, there are ways to reduce the impact they have on your day to day life. You can find your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith will also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Call a locksmith
If you've lost your car keys, you should call locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and give you tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication business. However, they will require the exact model, type, make and year of your car to duplicate keys.
You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. This can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car and can take a few days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as a dealership however at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your home to help you get back into your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing an agent. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you lose your only car keys. Instead, try the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed.