What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands work and socializing with friends - things are lost. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be created at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. You could lose time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to stay calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could cause more damage.
Begin by trying to remember when you last observed them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to run an run, or they could have been dropped when you were taking groceries inside. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.
If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. Once you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, double examine each location. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big deal. In the past people kept spare keys in a small box attached to their car. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. That's why it's important to have a backup key in the event that you lose your only car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key Take an exhale 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 recall the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where you don't even see them.
The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, especially the places you normally keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go into a store.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, you need to call a locksmith for assistance. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create a new one right on the spot. If you have a key fob with chips and is an older model, you will be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. The good news is that most people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, you need to check all of the places where you have previously kept the keys. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a companion with you, ask them to check these places too.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if the key to a friend they aren't able to access it without you.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can use dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.
One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. This is a good place to conceal keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.
Lost car keys can be a major hassle, but there are ways to reduce their impact on your day to day life. By taking Full Record to reverse your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and calling the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have spare keys the best thing to do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to contact locksmith. They can help you recover the key quickly and provide you with tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these types of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly.
If your car is a newer model, or if it uses a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. It can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before choosing a dealership. It's essential to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you shouldn't panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.