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 like keys.
A new key for the majority of cars can be made in your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get into your car. lost the keys to my car may lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your car is to be calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and could even make the situation worse.
Start by trying remembering when you last seen them. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you were out running an outing. Following your steps can aid in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing steps isn't working try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, examine each location. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or losing a car keys was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup key in the event that you lose your sole car key.
Before you start worrying about losing your only car key take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they can end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the areas where you typically put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go to an establishment.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.
Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Be aware of your hiding 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 or chat on the phone, or simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are busy. 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 important to check every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these places too.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could stick on your car to store a spare key. These are perfect to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend has access to the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your help.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas, this can be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be as obvious. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a real pain, but there are ways to lessen the impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or 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 call a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and provide you with advice on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication company. However, they will require the exact model, make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.
If your car is a more recent model, or utilizes a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a new replacement. It can be expensive and especially if you need to order the correct key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to help you get into your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By reporting your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who may try to use your vehicle 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 essential not to be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Follow the steps above and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family member to help.