what to do if lost car keys to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get
lost my car keys in the whirlwind of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.
For most cars keys, a new key can be created at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get into your car. You could lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing to do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to be calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.
Try to remember the last time you seen them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to do an errand, or they may have been dropped when you were bringing groceries inside. You can locate your keys by following your steps.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Check every spot 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.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a big deal. In the past people stored spare keys in a small container that was attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or
i Lost my Only car Key car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in case you lose your sole car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps and consider when you last held the keys in your palm. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab 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 car, particularly the places where you usually keep them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to go into a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, you need to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has chip and is it is a newer model, you will be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone or lost them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that most people keep a spare key in their home or workplace that they can easily locate. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these places too.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a friend they aren't able to access it without you.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it since it won't be as obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.
There are methods to lessen the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and calling an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you lose your only car key is call locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate a key correctly.
You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be expensive in particular when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.
Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing costs in the event of
replace a lost car key lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting an agent. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on watch for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from criminal charges if someone does try to take your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you lose your only car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member if needed.
