What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, etc. 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 a cost-effective option.
Retract your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and be unable to get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to stay calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make the situation worse.
Begin by trying to remember when you last seen them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to go on an appointment, or they might be missing while bringing groceries inside. key lost can find your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing steps isn't working, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you wrote down. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing, a car key was not a huge issue. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a little box stuck 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 lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your only car key.
Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or put them on your car's dashboard when you left your car to go into a store.
You should also check your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose them. 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 an extra key, you need to examine all places where you have previously kept them. Included in this are obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your car to store your spare keys. These are great to hide keys since they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means even if someone gets the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.
Another trick to hide 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 of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to find.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. This is a good place to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. 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 attempt to remove it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle, but there are ways to minimize their impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to retract your steps by scouring all of the most frequent hiding spots, and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.
Call a locksmith
If you've lost your car keys You should contact a locksmith. They can help you recover the key quickly and give you suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate company. But, they'll require the exact model, brand, model and year of your car to duplicate keys.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. It can be costly particularly when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.
A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealerships but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your home to help you get back into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be 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 possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By declaring your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is that you should never panic. Follow the steps above and, if you need to ask a friend or family to help.