What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends - things are lost. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.
A new key for the majority of cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. lost keys for car is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It's a pain to lose your only car keys and not be able to get into your car. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you should do when you lose your only car key is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.
Start by trying to remember when you last saw your keys. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to run an errand, or they may have been lost while you were taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left.
Take a look inside Your Car
In the past the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big problem. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and the year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you lose your only car key.
Take a deep breath before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. First, retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your palm. It's common to juggle keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can 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, especially the places where you usually keep them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to go to a store or perhaps you went to your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them and carefully examine every crevice.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to call a locksmith for help. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually make you a new one right on the spot. However, if you've got an older key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.
Check Your Hiding Spots
Whether you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted 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. It's a good thing most people keep an extra key in their home or workplace that they can easily locate. If you have an extra key, it is essential to examine all places you've previously kept them. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are great 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 able to open it without your help.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but you must be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this technique, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to find.
The hood is a final place to check. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank it could be the perfect spot to conceal it because it won't be so obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses typically require the exact make, model and year of your car in order to copy a key correctly.
You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships, but at less cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your vehicle.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting the dealer. You should also notify the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. Notifying your keys will let police officers be on looking for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to take your car. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if necessary get a family member or friend family member to assist.