What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.
A new key for all cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able access your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you've lost the only car key you have is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation worse.
Start by trying remembering the last time you saw them. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you ran an errand. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing your steps does not work, try noting down all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and could provide you with an idea of where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big problem. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. It is important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions 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 not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where they aren't visible.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically place them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a shop or perhaps you walked into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out.
You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chip and is it is a newer model, you'll need to contact the dealership to request a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
Whether you were in a rush to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and call or even forgot your keys It's easy to forget them when you are distracted. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places you've previously hidden keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over the same places as well.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can stick on your vehicle to store your spare keys. These are perfect to hide keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices have combination locks, so that even if the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without you.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to see.
The hood is a final spot to look. This is a good place to hide a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you take it off. it.
There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. car key lost replacement can find your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you lose the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and provide you with suggestions on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option but remember that these types of businesses usually require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate a key correctly.
You'll have visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with an electronic fob. It can be costly in particular if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your home to help you get back into your vehicle.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting an agent. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By notifying your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to take your car. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is that you shouldn't panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family to help.