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 small stuff like keys.
For most cars keys, a new key can be created at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and be unable to get into your car. You may lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to do an appointment, or they might have been dropped while you were taking groceries inside. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing your steps does not work, try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.
Look Inside replacement lost car keys wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a huge issue. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small box attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of the model. It is essential to keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.
Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key, take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to find it. Follow replacing lost car key and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the areas where you typically keep them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go to a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.
If you still can't find your keys, you need to call a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can request a replacement right away. If you have a key fob that has chip and is an older model, you will need to contact the dealership to request a new one.
Be aware of your hiding spots
If you were in a rush to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or you 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 an extra key in their workplace or at home which they can quickly locate. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off accidentally when driving over a bump, and they will also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a person, they can't open it without you.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, but you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it difficult for thieves to find.
The hood is one last spot to look. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas it could be a great spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall 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 life. By taking a few minutes to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have spare keys, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and offer suggestions on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. But, they'll need the exact make, model, and year of your car to duplicate keys.
If your car is an older model, or has an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car and can take a few days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you with getting into your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Try the above steps and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family member to help.