What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends - things get lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.
For most cars keys, a new key can be created at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It's a pain to lose your sole car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.
Start by trying to remember the last time you looked at your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket when you were running an run. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing your steps does not work, try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Once you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big problem. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your sole car key.
Before you start worrying about losing your only car key Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where they aren't visible.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you usually put them. car key lost replacement might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you left your car to go to an establishment.
It is also important to examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure you empty them and carefully examine every crevice.
Contact a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. However, if you have a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the correct spot. If you have an extra key, you need to examine all places where you have previously kept keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can stick on your car to store a spare key. They are ideal for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over a bump and also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a relative, they can't open it without you.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.
The hood is one last place to check. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith will also save you time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to call locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also give you suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone who has a duplication shop for car keys nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy keys correctly.
You'll need visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your vehicle, and it can 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 a dealership but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your location to help you get back in your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting an agent. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else can have access to your car without permission, and it also keeps you safe in the event of being attacked or robbed. Notifying your keys will enable police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you have lost your car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.