What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends Things get lost. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You could lose time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you've lost your only car key is to be calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.
Start by trying remembering the last time you observed them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to run an appointment, or they might be missing while taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing steps isn't working, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you might just be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a huge issue. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small container that was connected to their car. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup in case you lose your only car key.
Take your time before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you typically put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you exited your vehicle to go to a 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 make sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create a new one right on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and it is a newer model, you'll have to contact the dealer to get a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich or call, or simply lost your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're distracted. It's a good thing most people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home which they can quickly locate. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you, ask them to check these places too.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. They are great to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means even if someone gets the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you do decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. This is a great place to conceal keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.
Lost car keys can be a huge hassle but there are ways to minimize their impact on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly.
If your car is a more recent model, or uses a smart key fob you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly in particular when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service at 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 key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to assist you with getting into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who may try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In replacing lost car key , this could even protect you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Instead, follow the above steps and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.