What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work things are lost. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be made at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and it can cause more damage.
Start by trying remembering the last time you seen them. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were out running an errand. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a big deal. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. It is essential to keep a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Take your time before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you grab other things, and often they end on the floor of your car, where you don't even see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard after you exited your vehicle to go to an establishment.
Also, you should look through your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has a chip and a more recent model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
If you were in a rush to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone, or simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose them when you are working. It's a good thing the majority of people have a spare key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over these places too.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. i ve lost my car keys what can i do are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative 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 with a hidden compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
The hood is a final place to check. This is a good place to hide keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a heavy-duty tape to prevent the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most frequent hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Call a Locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses often need to have the specific model, make and year of your car to duplicate keys correctly.
If your car is a newer model, or if it uses an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive particularly if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealerships however at a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It will also protect you in the event of being robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from criminal charges if someone does try to take your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is to not be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed get a family member or friend family member to assist.