What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work things are lost. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be created at your local hardware store along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your car is to be calm. Doing your best to panic won't help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.
Try to remember when you last seen them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to go on an run, or they could have been lost when you were carrying groceries into the house. Retracing your steps can help you find your lost keys in no time.
If retracing steps isn't working try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you an idea of where your keys are. After you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big deal. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small container that was connected to their car. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It's important to always have a spare car key in case you lose your original.
Take your time before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.
The next thing to do is thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go to a store, or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.
It is also important to check your pockets, purses, and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.
Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one on the spot. If, however, you own a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Check Your Hide Spots
Whether you were in a hurry to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone, or simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're working. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the right place. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places where you have previously stored them. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or even a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. lost keys to car no spare are great for hiding keys as they won't fall off accidentally when driving over bumps and also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a friend receives the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your assistance.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another method to keep keys hidden. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas it could be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be as obvious. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure that 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 routine. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places, and calling a local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid losing any money or time.
Contact for a locksmith
Unless you have spare keys, the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to call a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. However, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your car to duplicate a key.
You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has an electronic fob. This can be expensive in particular if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as dealerships however at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to help you get into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting the dealer. You should also notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it also keeps you safe in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you also notify police of anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is that you should never be in a state of panic. Instead, follow the above steps and ask for the help of a family member if necessary.