What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands socializing with friends and work things are lost. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and be unable to access your vehicle. You can lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you've lost your car keys is to be calm. Doing your best to panic won't help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.
Start by trying to remember when you last had your keys. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket when you were out running an errand. Following your steps can assist you in finding your keys in no time.
If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. Once you've written down all possible places your keys could be, double examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big deal. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small container that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the car's type and the year of manufacture. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.
Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions, you can work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your palm. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to be able to see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special focus on the areas you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard when you exited your car to go to an establishment.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things 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 in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.
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 call or even forgot your keys it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. It's good that many people keep an extra key in their home or workplace that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, you need to check all of the places you've previously stored keys. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. 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 could put on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. They are ideal to hide keys since they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over a bump and also 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 friend, they can't open it without you.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to keep keys hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but it is important to be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can use dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to see.
One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to retrieve your keys and not waste any money or time.
Call a Locksmith
If you lose your car key and you've lost it, you must contact locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also offer suggestions on how to avoid 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 types of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy keys correctly.
You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses smart fobs. This can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service at less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance to send experts to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. You should also notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without permission, and it will also protect you in the event of being robbed or assaulted. relevant web site of reporting your keys will let police officers be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from criminal charges should someone attempt to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is that you should never be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed ask a friend or family to help.