What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, and so on. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the little things, like keys.
A new key for the majority of cars can be made in your local hardware store if 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 get in your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you must do when you lose your only car key is to remain calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys faster and can cause more damage.
Start by trying remembering when you last seen them. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were out running an outing. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down every place you went to during the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you an idea of where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a major issue. The majority of people had spare keys 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 keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and model year. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you start worrying about losing your only car key Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace My Site , and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.
replace lost car key is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go to an establishment.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.
Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create a new one on the spot. However, if you have a more modern key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's good that many people keep a spare key in their office or home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places you've previously kept keys. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can stick on your vehicle to store a spare key. They are great for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without you.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars often search 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 find.
The hood is a final location to check. This is a great place 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 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 minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Contact a Locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing you can do if you lose the only car key you have is to contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the lost key quickly, and provide you with tips on how to prevent this happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option however, remember that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy keys correctly.
You'll have visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly particularly if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.
A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealerships however at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your home to help you get back in your vehicle.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing an agent. It is also recommended to notify 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 assault. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on the lookout for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution if someone does try to steal your car. It is essential not to panic if you lose your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if necessary get a family member or friend family member to help.