What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.
Retract your steps
It's a pain to lose your sole car keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. It can 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 remain calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.
Start by trying remembering when you last observed them. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were out running an run. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing every place you went to during the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you an idea of where your keys are. After you've written down all the possible spots your keys could be, double make sure you check each spot. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. 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 the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup in the event that you lose your only car key.
Take a deep breath 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. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's common to juggle keys while you are grabbing something else, and they may end up on the floor where you cannot see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you normally put them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go into a shop or perhaps you reached into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out.
replacing lost car keys is also important to check your pockets, purses, and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with a chip and an older model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or call or you simply lost your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're distracted. It's good that most people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal to hide 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 have combination locks, so that even if the key to a person they won't be able to open it without your permission.
Another trick to hide keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.
One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a real pain, but there are ways to reduce the impact on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Call for a locksmith
If you've lost your car key You should contact locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and give you advice on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who has a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses usually require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys correctly.
You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses smart fobs. It can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your car and can take a few days or even weeks.
Many people don't know that locksmiths can provide the same service at less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your location to assist you get back in your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It is also important to inform the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By reporting your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from criminal charges if someone does try to take your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you lose the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if needed, enlist a friend or family to help.