What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes, it's the small things such as keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost option.
Retract your Steps
It's a pain to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.
Start by trying 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. Following your steps can help you find your lost keys in no time.
If you aren't able to retrace steps try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. After you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, double examine each location. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big deal. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small container that was that was attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of the model. It is essential to have a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Take your time before you panic about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they can end up on the floor where you cannot see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard after you exited your vehicle to go to an establishment.
Also, you should examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them and scrutinize every crevice.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with chips and is a more recent model, you'll need to contact the dealership to get a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the right place. If you have a spare key, it is important to check all of the places you've previously stored them. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can place on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are great for hiding keys as they won't fall off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if the key to a person they won't be able to open it without you.
what to do if lost car keys of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to find.
The hood is the final place to check. If you have keys that open the gas cap, this can be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be so obvious. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.
Lost car keys can be a huge hassle but there are ways to minimize the impact on your daily life. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith will also save you time and money.
Contact an expert locksmith
If you lose the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and offer suggestions on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of businesses typically require the exact make, model and year of your car in order to duplicate the correct key.
If your car is a more recent model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive particularly when the dealer must order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.
Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service for less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your home to help you get back into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This helps to ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and will also protect you in the event of being robbed or assaulted. By notifying your keys, you also notify police of anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your car. It is crucial not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.