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. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the small things like keys.
For most cars keys, a new key can be made 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 difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get into your car. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can cause more damage.
Begin by trying to remember when you last seen them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of your car to run an errand, or they may be missing when you were taking groceries inside. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in no time.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and may give you an idea of where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each spot. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
A few years ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big problem. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose your original.
Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hand. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't be able to see them.
The next step is thoroughly search your car, especially the places you normally keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your car's dashboard when you got out of your car to go into a store.
Take a look in 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 be sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob that has chip and is it is a newer model, you will have to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and call or even forgot your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're working. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. lost my key includes obvious places such as bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could stick on your car to store your spare keys. These are ideal for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you give the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without you.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can use dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have an ignition key that opens the gas cap and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it since it won't be so obvious. Use a strong tape to keep the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to minimize the impact on your day to day life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid losing any time or money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have spare keys, the best thing to do if you've lost your only car key is call locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also give you suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key.
If your car is an older model, or has a smart key fob you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.
One thing that many people don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealerships, but at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your location to assist you get back in your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before choosing a dealership. It's essential to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. 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. By declaring your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you have lost your car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above and seek the assistance of a family member, if needed.
