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. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be made at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get into your car. You can lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make things worse.
Start by trying remembering the last time you saw them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an appointment, or they might be missing while you were taking groceries inside. Following your steps can aid in finding your keys in no time.
If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and may give you an idea of where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, double make sure you check each spot. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing, a car key was not a huge issue. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing lost key for car lost or stolen car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your sole car key.
Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions, you can work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and consider the last time you held keys in your palm. It's normal to juggle keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the places you normally put them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go into a store or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith for help. If lost car keys have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key with chip and is it is a newer model, you will be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
Whether you were in a rush to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone, or simply forgot your keys It's easy to forget them when you are busy. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, it is important to look over all the places where you have previously hidden keys. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check the same places as well.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to keep a spare key inside it. They are ideal for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage devices have combination locks, so that even if the key to a person they won't be able to open it without your permission.
Another method of hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can use dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. This is a great place to conceal keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a real pain however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most frequent hiding spots and contacting an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.
Contact an expert locksmith
If you don't have spare keys the best thing you can do if you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these types of establishments usually require the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy keys correctly.
If your car is a more recent model, or if it has an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly, especially if they need to order the correct key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to help you get into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It is also recommended to notify the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By reporting your keys, you also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you have lost your only car keys. Instead, you should follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.