What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends and so on. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes it's just the small things such as keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be created at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It's a pain to lose your only car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you must do when you've lost the only car key you have is to stay calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make things worse.
Try to remember when you last observed them. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you ran an run. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing a car keys was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and year of the model. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in case you lose the original.
Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Begin by retracing lost keys to my car and consider the last time you held keys in your palm. It's normal to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the floor where you cannot see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard when you exited your car to go into an establishment.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook things in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them and look carefully through every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one right on the spot. However, if you've got an older key fob with chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be found in the right spot. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage units have combination locks, so even if someone gets the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your help.
Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to employ this method, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the gas cap it could be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith can save you time and money.
Call a Locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you've lost your car keys is to call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also provide you with advice on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these types of establishments typically require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy a key correctly.
You'll need to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has a smart fob. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at less than a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to help you get into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also important to report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it will also protect you in the event of being attacked or robbed. By declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who is trying to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is to not be in a state of panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed, enlist a friend or family member to assist.