What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands work and socializing with friends things are lost. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the little things such as keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. 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 money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do if you lose your car keys is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make the situation worse.
Start by trying to remember the last time you had your keys. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you were out running an outing. The process of retracing your steps will assist you in finding your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps isn't working, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and give you the clue to locate your keys. After you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you might just be able to pick them up right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big issue. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in case you ever do lose your sole car key.
Take a deep breath before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your palm. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.
The next step is thoroughly search your car, especially the places where you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard after you left your car to go into the store.
It is also important to 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 make sure to empty them and scrutinize every crevice.
Contact a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you a new one right on the spot. If, however, you own an older key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing that most people keep a spare key in their home or workplace that they can easily find. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. Included in this are obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could stick on your vehicle to store a spare key. They are ideal for hiding keys as they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over bumps, and they will also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if you hand the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without you.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to spot.
The hood is the final location to check. If you have a key that opens the gas cap, this can be an ideal spot to hide it since it won't be so obvious. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.
Car keys lost can be a real pain however, there are ways to lessen the impact on your day to day life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Call a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do if you've lost your only car key is contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication company. But, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.
If your car is a newer model, or if it has a smart key fob you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your location to assist you get back in your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's important to report your keys as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on looking for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In lost keys of car of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you have lost your car keys. Instead, you should follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed.