What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends - things are lost. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things, like keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost option.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You may lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you must do when you've lost your car keys is to be calm. Doing your best to panic won't help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation worse.
Begin by trying to remember when you last observed them. They might have been lost when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were running an outing. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing your steps does not work, you can try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge deal. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.
Take an exhale before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the floor, where you can't see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the areas where you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard when you left your car to go into the store.
You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large 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. However, if you have an older key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key at their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, it is important to check all of the places you've previously kept them. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. These 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 units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend receives the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it difficult for thieves to see.
The hood is a final location to check. This is a good place to conceal a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys lost in your car on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. A local locksmith can save you time and money.
Call a Locksmith
If you've lost your car keys You should contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle in order to copy the correct key.
If your car is an older model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. key car lost can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships however at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to help you get into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. You should also report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. The act of reporting your keys will enable police officers to be on looking for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your car. It is important to not panic if you have lost your car keys. Try the above steps and, if needed get a family member or friend family to help.