What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands socializing with friends, and work - things are lost. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes it's just the small things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.
Try to remember the last time you saw them. They might have been lost when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you were running an errand. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a major issue. In the past people stored spare keys in a small box connected to their vehicle. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and model year. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in case you lose the original.
Before lost key replacement car begin to panic about losing your only car key take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Retrace lost key replacement car and consider the last time you held keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where you can't see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the places you normally put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard when you left your car to go to an establishment.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or big bags.
Get help from a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one on the spot. However, if you have a modernized key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
Whether you were in a hurry to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are busy. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be found in the right spot. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without your permission.
Another trick to hide keys is to purchase a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to find.
The hood is the final place to check. It's a good spot to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Just be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle, but there are ways to reduce the impact on your day to day life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith, you can find your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.
Contact a Locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing to do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also offer tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key.
You'll have visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has an electronic fob. This can be costly and especially if you need to order the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.
One thing that many people do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealerships but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your home to help you get back in your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It will also protect you 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 watch for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is that you should never panic. Instead, try the steps listed above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member if necessary.