What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the chaos that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It's a pain to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do if you lose your car keys is to remain calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.
Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were out running an run. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue to locate your keys. Once you've written down all possible places your keys could be, examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big deal. In the past, a majority of people kept a spare key in a small box connected to their car. However, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in case you ever do lose your sole car key.
Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key, take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you can't see them.
Then, go through lost my car key and have no spare . Pay particular attention to the areas where you usually put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard after you got out of your vehicle to go to the store.
Also, you should look through your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook things in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so make sure you empty them and scrutinize every crevice.
Call a locksmith for assistance when you're unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. However, if you have a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
If you were in a rush to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even lost your keys it's easy to lose them when you are busy. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be located in the correct spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to check all of the places you've previously stored keys. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer on your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your car to store your spare keys. These are great to hide keys since they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend receives the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it difficult for thieves to see.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.
There are ways to reduce the impact of lost car keys on 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.
Call a locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you lose your only car key is contact locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening again. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. However, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.
You'll have visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has smart fobs. It can be expensive and especially if you need to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as a dealership but at a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your car.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It is also important to inform the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your car 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 might attempt to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution if someone does try to steal your car. It is crucial not to panic if you have lost your only car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps above and ask for the help of a friend or family member if necessary.