What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff such as keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost option.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get into your car. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can cause more damage.
Begin by trying to remember when you last seen them. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to do an appointment, or they might be missing while bringing groceries inside. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a big deal. In the past, a majority of people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup plan in case you lose your only car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or put them on your car's dashboard when you left your car to go into an establishment.
Also, you should examine your purses, pockets, and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance when you're unable to locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob with chips and is a more recent model, you will be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone or you simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, it is essential to look over all the places you've previously kept keys. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your car to store your spare keys. They are ideal for hiding keys as they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend receives the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.
replace lost key for car with an enclosed compartment is another method to keep keys hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to use this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to see.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the cap for gas and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be as visible. Make sure you use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.
Car keys lost can be a real pain but there are ways to minimize their impact on your day to day life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area can help you avoid wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you've lost your car keys, you should call locksmith. They can help you retrieve the lost key quickly, and provide you with suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option but remember that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle in order to copy a key correctly.
If your car is a newer model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive particularly if the dealer has to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service at less than a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send experts to help you get into your vehicle.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. It is also important to inform the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on the lookout for anyone trying to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is that you should never be in a state of panic. Follow the steps above and, if you need to ask a friend or family to help.