What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the chaos that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be created at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to access your vehicle. 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. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.
Start by trying to remember when you last had your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to go on an errand, or they may be missing while you were carrying groceries into the house. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.
If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down every place you went to during the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Once you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, double check each place again. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing, a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and model year. It is essential to have a spare car key in case you lose your original.
Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key Take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps and reflect on when you last held the keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you typically place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you exited your car to go to the store.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them and carefully examine every crevice.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If, however, you own a modernized key fob with chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.
Be aware of your hiding spots
If you were in a rush to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and chat on the phone or you simply lost your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. car key lost no spare is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. Included in this are obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can put on your vehicle to store a spare key. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so even if someone has access to the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to spot.
The hood is a final place to check. This is a good place to conceal keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.
There are methods to lessen 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 the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid losing any time or money.
Contact for a locksmith
If you've lost your car keys and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and offer suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate business. However, they'll require the exact brand, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.
If your car is a newer model, or if it has an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as a dealership however at less cost. Insurance policies often provide for locksmith charges or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your location to help you get back in your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's essential to report your keys as soon as you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also notify police of anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not panic. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member if needed.