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. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the little things like keys.
A new key for all cars can be made in your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to access your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you've lost the only car key you have is to remain calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can cause more damage.
Begin by trying to remember when you last observed them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an run, or they could have been lost while you were carrying groceries into the house. You can find your keys by following your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down every place you went to during the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. After you've written down all possible places your keys could be, make sure you examine each location. 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.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a major issue. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your car's only key.
Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hand. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where you don't even see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you usually put them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to run into a store or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.
You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.
Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. If, however, lost keys of car own a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. If you have a spare key, it is essential to look over all the places where you have previously hidden the keys. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend receives the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your help.
Another trick to hide keys is to buy fake rocks with a compartment that is hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the cap for gas and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to remove it.
Car keys lost can be a real pain however, there are ways to minimize the impact on your day to day life. By taking a moment to retract your steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots and contacting an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.
Contact an expert locksmith
If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening again. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. However, they'll need the exact make, model and year of your car to duplicate a key.
If your car is an older model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly, especially when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.
One thing that many people do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealers however at less cost. 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.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing an agent. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever attacked or robbed. By reporting your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you have lost your only car keys. Instead, try the above steps, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.