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 the big things. Sometimes it's just the small things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your car is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make things worse.
Start by trying remembering the last time you saw them. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket when you ran an outing. Retracing your steps can help you find your lost keys in no time.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
A few years ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge problem. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small container that was that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace 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, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you left your car to go into the store.
Also, you should examine your purses, pockets, and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance when you're unable to find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an immediate replacement. If, however, you own an older key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that the majority of people have a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative has access to the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. This is a good place to conceal a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys
lost key to my car in your car on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places and calling an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Contact a locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is call locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and offer advice on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars
nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate the correct key.
If your car is a newer model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly particularly if they have to order the correct key for your
car key lost no spare, and it can take a few days or even weeks.
Many people don't know that locksmiths can provide the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also important to report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Notifying your keys will enable police officers to be on looking for anyone trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario it could also protect you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Follow the steps above and, if needed get a family member or friend family member to help.
