What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life – kids, errands work and socializing with friends – things are i lost my car keys. Sometimes it’s the little things, like keys.
A new key for most cars can be made in your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and be unable to get into your car. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you need to do if you lose your only car key is to be calm. Panicking won’t help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last saw your keys. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an errand, or they may have been lost while you were carrying groceries into the house. The process of retracing your steps will assist you in finding your keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps doesn’t work try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you clues as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. It is possible keys “drift” on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn’t too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a huge issue. In the past people stored spare keys in a small box attached to their car. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and model year. It’s important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.
Before you start worrying about losing your sole car key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you’ve managed your emotions you can go through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps and reflect on when you last had the keys in your hands. It’s normal to juggle keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can end up on the floor where you cannot be able to see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your car’s dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go to the store.
It is also important to examine 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 have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. If you have a key fob with a chip and a more recent model, you will be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It doesn’t matter if you were in a hurry to get out the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and chat on the phone, or simply lost your keys It’s easy to forget them when you are busy. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be found in the right spot. It is important to check every place you’ve hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won’t fall off when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a relative, they can’t open it without you.
Another trick to hide keys is to buy fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to see.
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 visible. Make sure you use a strong piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn’t fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith can also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose the car key, you should call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also offer tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that’s a different option however, remember that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your car in order to duplicate a key correctly.
You’ll need to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has a smart fob. It can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.
Most people aren’t aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a i lost my only car key or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to help you get back in your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it’s worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or i lost My Only car key assault. By declaring your keys, i lost my only Car key you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you have lost the keys to your car. Instead, you should follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a family member if necessary.