What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the little things like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be made at your local hardware store along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap option.
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. But the first thing you must do when you lose the only car key you have is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could cause more damage.
Begin by attempting to remember lost my car key saw your keys. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to run an appointment, or they might be missing while 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, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left.
Check Inside Your Car
Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a huge deal. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small box that was attached to their car. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. It is important to always have a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing something else, and they may end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you normally put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to a store.
You should also examine your purses, pockets, and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for help. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually make you a new one right on the spot. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.
Be aware of your hiding spots
Whether you were in a rush to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone or you simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. It's a good thing most people keep an extra key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can put on your car to store a spare key. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if you hand the key to a person they aren't able to access it without your permission.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have a hidden compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to conceal keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure 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 huge hassle, but there are ways to reduce the impact on your daily life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose your car keys, you should call a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening again. You could also contact the local key duplication business. However, they will require the exact type, make and year of your car to duplicate a key.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. This can be expensive, especially if they need to order the correct key for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealerships but at less cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to assist you with getting into your vehicle.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing the dealer. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle 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 may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from criminal charges if someone does try to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is that you should never be in a panic. Instead, you should follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.