What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, and so on. It's not always the big things. Sometimes, it's the tiniest things such as keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be created at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you must do when you've lost your car keys is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last had your keys. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or put them in your pocket as you were running an errand. Retracing your steps can help you find your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
A few years ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge issue. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small box attached to their car. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. That's why it's important to have a backup in the event that you lose your sole car key.
Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your palm. It's common to juggle keys while you are grabbing something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard after you left your vehicle to go to an establishment.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
If lost key to car to locate your keys, you need to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. If, however, you own a modernized key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
If you were in a rush to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and call or even lost your keys it's easy to lose them when you are busy. The good news is that most people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. If you have an extra key, you need to examine all places where you have previously kept the keys. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through these places too.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store a spare key. These are perfect to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you give 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 great solution for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to see.
The hood is one last spot to look. This is a great place to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a strong tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a real pain but there are ways to reduce the impact they have on your day to day life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most frequent hiding spots, and calling the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.
Call a locksmith
If you've lost your car keys and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you recover the key quickly and offer suggestions on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate company. However, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your car to duplicate keys.
If your car is an older model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealerships however at less cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting an agent. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By declaring your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to use your car illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could even protect you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is to not be in a panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to assist.