What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are i lost the keys to my car in the chaos that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It’s not always about the big things. Sometimes it’s just the small things such as keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to get into your car. You can lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.
Start by trying remembering the last time you observed them. They might have been lost my only car Key when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket as you were out running an outing. You can locate your keys by following your steps.
If retracing steps isn’t working, try writing all the places you visited during the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could provide you with an idea of where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. You may find that keys “drift” on the floor, side or underneath something, and you’ll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big deal. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small container that was connected to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be i’ve lost my car keys. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. That’s why it’s important to have a backup in case you lose your only car key.
Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your palm. It’s not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other things, and often they end up on the floor of your car, where you don’t even see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special focus on the areas you typically put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard after you got out of your vehicle to go to 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 locate your keys. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob with chip and is an older model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It doesn’t matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone or even lost your keys it’s easy to lose them when you are working. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places you’ve previously stored them. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great for hiding keys as they aren’t able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over bumps and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also 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 a hidden compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can use dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to find.
The hood is the final place to check. This is a good place to hide keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won’t be noticeable. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from coming off or lost my only car Key scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do if you’ve lost your car keys is to call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that’s a different option but remember that these types of establishments typically require the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly.
You’ll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be expensive and especially if you need to order the correct key for your car and can take days or even weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as a dealership, but at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you with getting into your car.
It’s important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever attacked or robbed. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on watch for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary get a family member or friend family member to help.