What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind of life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff like keys.
For most cars, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.
Retract your steps
There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get in your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.
Start by trying remembering the last time you observed them. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket when you got out of your car to do an run, or they could have been dropped when you were carrying groceries into the house. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your keys in no time at all.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try noting down all the places you have been throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to find your keys. After you've written down all possible places your keys could be, make sure you check each spot. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big problem. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in case you lose the original.
Take a deep breath before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to stay lost my key . Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other things, and often they end on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.
The next step is thoroughly search your car, especially the places where you usually keep them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go to a store or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob with chips and is an older model, you'll need to contact the dealership to get a new one.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or you simply lost your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're distracted. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be easily found in the right spot. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can place on your vehicle to store a spare key. They are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over bumps and they also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a friend receives the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have an enclosed compartment. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this technique, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
The hood is the final place to check. This is a good place to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.
There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith can also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Call a locksmith
If you don't have spare keys the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to call locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also provide you with tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. But, they'll need the exact make, model, and year of your car to duplicate the key.
You'll have visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with an electronic fob. It can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as a dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance to send experts to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. It's essential to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It will also protect you in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Instead, try the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.