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 tiniest things like keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be created at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract your steps
It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to be calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation worse.
Start by trying remembering the last time you seen them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to go on an errand, or they may have been lost when you were bringing groceries inside. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing your steps does not work, try noting down all the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big issue. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing lost my car keys lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your car's only key.
Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your car, particularly the places you normally place them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to go into a store or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you have a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone or lost them, it's 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 correct spot. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these places too.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are great for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend has access to the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but it is important to be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to find.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas, this can be an ideal spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Use a strong tape to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your daily routine. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places and calling an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.
Call a Locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys the best thing you can do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to contact locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening 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 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 utilizes a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly particularly when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to help you get back in your vehicle.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. You should also notify the police immediately if you can. This ensures that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in the event of being victimized by a robber or attacked. By declaring your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who is trying 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 keep in mind when you lose your only car key is that you shouldn't panic. Instead, try the steps above and seek the assistance of a family member if necessary.