What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the big things. Sometimes, it's the tiniest things, like keys.
A new key for the majority of cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you need to do when you've lost your only car key is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.
Start by trying to remember the last time you saw your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were out running an run. You can find your keys by retracing 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 trigger your brain and give you the clue to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you recorded. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup plan in case you lose your only car key.
Before you start worrying about losing your only car key take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to find it. First, retrace your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hands. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special focus on the areas you typically put them. key car lost may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a shop or maybe you walked into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.
Also, you should look through your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.
Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually make you an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you've got a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.
Be car keys lost of your hiding spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing most people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these places too.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if the key to a person they won't be able to open it without your permission.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to use 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 vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap on your gas tank, this can be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most common hiding places. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you've lost the car key and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate company. But, they'll need the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.
If your car is a more recent model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive particularly when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as dealers, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your home to help you get back in your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It is also recommended to inform the police as soon as you can. This ensures that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in the event of being victimized by a robber or attacked. By notifying your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is that you should never panic. Instead, follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if necessary.