What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work things get lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff like keys.
A new key for all cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. 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. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can cause more damage.
Try to remember the last time you seen them. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you were running an errand. Following your steps can help you find your keys in no time at all.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a major issue. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It's important to always have a spare key for your car in case you lose your original.
Take a deep breath before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions, you can work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where you don't even see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard after you left your car to go into a store.
It is also important to look through your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and look carefully through 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 will typically make you a new one on the spot. If, however, you own a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the door, 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 working. It's a good thing many people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these places too.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your car so you can store a spare key in it. They are ideal to hide keys since they won't fall off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also 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 your permission.
Another trick to hide keys is to buy a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but you must be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.
lost key to car to look is the hood of your car. This is a great place to conceal keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.
There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. By taking a moment to retract your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and calling a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid losing any money or time.
Call for a locksmith
Unless you have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you've lost your only car key is call a locksmith. lost vehicle key can help you recover the key quickly and give you tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of establishments typically require the specific model, make and year of your car to duplicate the correct key.
You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has an electronic fob. This can be costly in particular when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealers but at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and provide 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 making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from criminal charges if someone does try to take your car. It is crucial not to panic if you have lost your car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member, if needed.