What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work things get lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be made at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cheap option.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the only key to your car is to be calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could cause more damage.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last looked at your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket when you ran an errand. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big problem. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, replace lost car key are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and model year. It is essential to have a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the areas where you usually 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 car to go into the store.
Check your pockets, purses 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 out and scrutinize every crevice.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can request a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with a chip and it is a newer model, you'll need to contact the dealership to request a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone, or simply forgot your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're distracted. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the right place. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store a spare key. These are ideal for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without you.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, but you should be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to find.
The hood is one last spot to look. This is a great place to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle but there are ways to lessen the impact on your day to day life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. A local locksmith can also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Call lost car keys
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you've lost your only car key is contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication company. However, they'll need the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.
If your car is an older model, or if it has a smart key fob you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your car, and it can take days or even weeks.
A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealers however at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you with getting into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This will ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it also keeps you safe in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on watch for anyone who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario it could also protect you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your car. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Instead, you should follow the above steps and ask for the help of a friend or family member, if needed.