What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands work and socializing with friends things are lost. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be made at your local hardware store with proof 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 get in your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your car is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last looked at your keys. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an run, or they could have been dropped while you were bringing groceries inside. You can locate your keys by following your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you clues as to where your keys are. After you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, double check each place again. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be able to pick them up right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge problem. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the car's type and year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you lose your sole car key.
Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hands. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they can end up on the floor where you cannot be able to see them.
The next step is thoroughly search your car, especially the areas where you typically place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you exited your car to go into a store.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to contact an expert locksmith and request assistance. If lost my car key have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you'll have to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or you simply forgot your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're distracted. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, it is important to examine all places you've previously stored keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these places too.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your car so you can stash a spare key in it. They are ideal to hide keys since they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative has access to the key but they aren't able to open it without your assistance.
Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks that have a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
The hood is one last location to check. If you have keys that open the cap for gas it could be an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint on your car when you take it off. it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. A local locksmith can also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys the best thing you can do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and they'll also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option, but keep in mind that these types of establishments often need to have the specific model, make and year of your vehicle in order to copy the correct key.
If your car is a newer model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly in particular if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.
Many people don't know that a locksmith can provide the same service for less than a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send experts to assist you in getting into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting the dealer. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This ensures that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you also notify police of anyone who is trying to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, try the above steps and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.