What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the chaos that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the little things such as keys.
For most cars keys, a new one can be made at your local hardware store along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.
Retract your steps
It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you must do when you've lost the only car key you have is to be calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and it can cause more damage.
Try to remember when you last observed them. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket when you were running an errand. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down every place you went to during the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a huge issue. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of the model. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose your original.
Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and reflect on when you last held the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you can't see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your car's dashboard when you left your car to go to an establishment.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them and look carefully through every crevice.
Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without any electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. However, if you have an older key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.
Check Your Hide Spots
If you were in a hurry to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and call or even forgot your keys It's easy to forget 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 located in the correct spot. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. 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 that are designed to be affixed to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. They are ideal for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over bumps and they also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a relative, they can't open it without your permission.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, lost car keys should be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you do opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Make sure you 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 attempt to remove it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most frequent hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can save you time and money.
Call a locksmith
If you've lost the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these types of establishments usually require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key.
You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could 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 a dealership, but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance to send experts to your location to help you get back in your car.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing the dealer. You should also inform the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By reporting your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In Read Much more of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution if someone does try to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family to help.