What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends Things are lost. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.
For most cars, a new key can be made at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you need to do if you lose your only car key is to remain calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys more quickly and may cause more damage.
Start by trying to recall when you last saw your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were running an errand. Following your steps can assist you in finding your keys in no time at all.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places your keys could be, double check each place again. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.
Take a look inside Your Car
Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge issue. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It is essential to keep a spare car key in case you lose your original.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and think about when you last had the keys in your hands. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the floor, where you can't see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where you normally put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or put them on your car's dashboard when you exited your car to go into the store.
Also, you should look through your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about 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're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has a chip and it is a newer model, you'll have to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and call, or 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 at their home or workplace that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously kept the keys. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these places too.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your car so you can store a spare key in it. They are ideal to hide keys since they won't fall off by accident when you drive over a bump and also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a person they aren't able to access it without your permission.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas it could be a great spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to remove it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to reverse your steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid losing any money or time.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys the best thing you can do if you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. If lost car keys know someone who has a duplication shop for car keys nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these kinds of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your car in order to duplicate keys correctly.
If your car is a newer model, or uses a smart key fob you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your home to help you get back in your vehicle.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It is also recommended to notify the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can have access to your car without your permission, and will also protect you in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By reporting your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your car keys. Try the above steps and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family to help.