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 about the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things such as keys.
For most vehicles, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get into your car. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you must do if you lose your car keys is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out won't help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you had your keys. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you ran an outing. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you an idea of where your keys are. Double check every place you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past, misplacing--or even losing--a car key was not a big problem. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It is important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.
Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key, take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last held the keys in your hands. It's normal to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they can end up on the floor where you cannot see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the areas where you normally put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard when you exited your vehicle to go to a store.
It is also important to examine 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 and carefully examine every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has chips and is a more recent model, you will be required to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
If you were in a hurry to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. It's a good thing that most people keep a spare key in their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. If you have an extra key, it is important to check all of the places where you have previously hidden them. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Request see this page to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are ideal to hide keys since they won't break when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative receives the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. This is a good place to hide keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Lost car keys can be a major hassle, but there are ways to reduce the impact on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith can also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you lose the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. However, they'll need the exact type, make and year of your car to duplicate a key.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses a smart fob. This can be costly in particular when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
One thing that many people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealerships, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you with getting into your vehicle.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It's essential to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. Notifying your keys will enable police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your car. It is crucial not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.