What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands socializing with friends and work things get lost. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be created at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your car is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.
Begin by trying to remember when you last seen them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to do an appointment, or they might be missing while taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Once you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, double make sure you check each spot. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key was not a big problem. In the past people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and model year. It's important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.
Take your time before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to remain lost car key . Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and consider 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 cannot see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard when you left your car to go into an establishment.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.
Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chip and is an older model, you'll need to contact the dealership to request a new one.
Be aware of your hiding spots
If you were in a hurry to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the correct spot. If lost car keys have a spare key, it is essential to look over all the places you've previously hidden keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your vehicle to allow you to keep a spare key inside it. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if you give the key to a person, they can't open it without you.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, but you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to spot.
The hood is the final place to check. This is a great place to hide a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle but there are ways to minimize the impact on your day to day life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places and calling an expert locksmith in your area to retrieve your keys and not waste any time or money.
Contact an expert locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and give you advice on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate company. However, they'll require the exact brand, model and year of your car to duplicate a key.
If your car is a newer model, or if it uses a smart key fob you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly particularly if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.
Many people are unaware that locksmiths can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your location to assist you get back in your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before choosing a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will have access to your car without your permission, and also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. The act of reporting your keys will allow police officers to be on looking for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is to not panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family to help.