What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends Things are lost. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the small things, like keys.
For most cars keys, a new one can be purchased at your local hardware store along with evidence 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 could be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to remain calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation worse.
Start by trying to remember the last time you had your keys. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an appointment, or they might have been lost while bringing groceries inside. Following your steps can aid in finding your keys in no time at all.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. Double check every place you wrote down. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing, a car key was not a big deal. In the past people kept a spare key in a small container that was attached to their car. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your sole car key.
Before you start worrying about losing your only car key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your hand. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the places you normally keep 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.
It is also important to look through your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them and carefully examine every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for assistance. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chips and is it is a newer model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that most people keep an extra key at their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check the same places as well.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to attach to your car so you can store a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over a bump, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a relative gets the key but they aren't able to open it without your assistance.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.
One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Make sure you use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a major hassle however, there are ways to reduce the impact on your daily life. You can find your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also save you time and money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also give you advice on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. However, they will require the exact model, type, make, and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.
If your car is an older model, or has an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly, especially when the dealer must order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as a dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. 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 help you get into your vehicle.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. look at here ensures that no one else will have access to your car without permission, and it will also protect you in the event of being attacked or robbed. By notifying your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who is trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from criminal charges if someone does try to steal your car. It is crucial not to panic if you lose your only car keys. Try the above steps and, if you need to ask a friend or family to help.