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. Sometimes it's the smallest things such as keys.
A new key for all cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make things worse.
Try to remember the last time you seen them. They might have been lost when you brought groceries in or put them in your pocket as you were out running an outing. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If retracing steps isn't working try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. Double check every place you recorded. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing a car keys was not a big deal. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It's important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.
Before you start worrying about losing your sole car key take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the areas where you typically put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you got out of your car to go to an establishment.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with chips and is a more recent model, you'll need to contact the dealership to get a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that most people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to examine all places you've previously hidden them. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to attach to your car so you can store a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a friend, they can't open it without you.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to utilize this technique, you can make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to find.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. This is a great place to hide a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Lost car keys can be a real pain, but there are ways to lessen their impact on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most frequent hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Call a Locksmith
If you've lost your car key and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication business. However, they will require the exact model, make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has an electronic fob. This can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the correct key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as a dealership but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance to send professionals to your location to assist you get back into your vehicle.
If replacing lost car keys have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also important to notify the police as soon as you can. This ensures that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and will also protect you in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose the keys to your car. Instead, follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a friend or family member, if needed.