What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the chaos that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the little things like keys.
A new key for the majority of cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to get into your car. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you must do if you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.
Start by trying to recall when you last saw your keys. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you ran an run. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps isn't working, try writing all the places you visited during the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a huge issue. In the past, a majority of people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their vehicle. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they can end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.
The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go into a store, or perhaps you went to your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for assistance. If lost car key no spare have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. However, if you've got an older key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.
Check Your Hiding 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 you forgot them, it's easy to lose them. It's good that most people keep an extra key at their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over the same places as well.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if the key to a person they won't be able to open it without your permission.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you do opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. It's a good spot to hide keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Make sure you use a strong piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen their impact on your daily life. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening again. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses often need to have the specific model, make and year of your car in order to copy a key correctly.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly in particular when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealers however at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to assist you get back into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting the dealer. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By notifying your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is that you should never be in a panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.