What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends - things get lost. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.
For most cars keys, a new one can be made at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able access your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you must do if you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make things worse.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last had your keys. You might have lost them when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket as you were running an errand. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your keys in no time.
If you aren't able to retrace steps try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. Double check every place you wrote down. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left.
Take a look inside Your Car
A few years ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a huge issue. Most people had a spare connected to their car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you lose your only car key.
Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace lost key to my car , and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other things, and often they end in the back of your car, where you don't even see them.
The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, especially the areas where you typically place them. You might have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go to a store, or perhaps you walked into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.
Also, you should check your pockets, purses, and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to call a locksmith and ask for help. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key with chips and is it is a newer model, you will be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. The good news is that most people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously kept the keys. Included in this are obvious places such as a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over the same places as well.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to keep a spare key inside it. These are great to hide keys since they won't fall off by accident when you drive over bumps, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a person, they can't open it without your permission.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank it could be the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be as obvious. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. You can find your keys by retracing Your steps and examining the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can also save you time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
Unless you have spare keys the best thing to do if you've lost the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also offer suggestions on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option however, remember that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key correctly.
You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. This can be expensive particularly when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send experts to help you get into your car.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly 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. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on watch for anyone who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is to not be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if needed get a family member or friend family to help.