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. It's not always the big things. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things, like keys.
A new key for most cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get into your car. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you've lost your only car key is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.
Start by trying to remember the last time you had your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you ran an errand. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Check every spot you wrote down. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a major issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small container that was that was attached to their vehicle. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and the year of its model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in case you lose your only car key.
Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where you don't even see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the places where you usually put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go to the store.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to locate your keys. If lost my car key have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has chip and is an older model, you'll have to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
If you were in a hurry to get out of the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and chat on the phone or you simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose them when you are busy. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. If you have an extra key, you need to check all of the places you've previously hidden the keys. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without you.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to utilize this technique, you can make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to find.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. This is a great place to hide a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. You can find your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith will also save you time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you lose your car key and you've lost it, you must contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy the correct key.
If your car is a more recent model, or if it uses a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.
Many people don't know that a locksmith can offer the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send experts to help you get into your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting an agent. You should also inform the police 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 case of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to steal your car. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is that you should never panic. Instead, try the above steps and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.