What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work - things are lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff 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 a low-cost option.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to get in your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys faster and can cause more damage.
Start by trying to remember when you last looked at your keys. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket when you ran an run. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. 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 them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing a car keys was not a huge issue. In the past people stored spare keys in a small container that was connected to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of its model. It's important to always have a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions, you can work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you can't see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be lost key in car to pay focus on the areas you typically place them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to go into a store or maybe you went to your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.
Also, you should look through your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. However, if lost car key have a more modern key fob with chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your car so you can stash a spare key in it. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative receives the key but they aren't capable of opening 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, however you should be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas it could be the perfect spot to conceal it because it won't be so obvious. Make sure you use a heavy-duty 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 reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose your car key, you should call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate company. But, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.
If your car is a more recent model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.
One thing that many people don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as a dealership but at only a fraction of the cost. Insurance policies often cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance to send experts to your home to help you get back into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This helps to ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By reporting your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you have lost the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if necessary get a family member or friend family to help.