What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.
For most cars, a new key can be made at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get in your vehicle. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation worse.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last saw your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or put them in your pocket while you were running an errand. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.
If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. You might 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.
Check Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big problem. In the past, a majority of people stored spare keys in a small box attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and the year of its model. It is important to always have a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Take your time before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions, you can work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard after you exited your vehicle to go to the store.
It is also important to check your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
Get help from a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. However, if you've got a modernized key fob with chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If lost keys to my car have a spare key, you need to look over all the places you've previously stored keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these places too.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can stick on your car to store your spare keys. They are ideal to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over bumps and they also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning even if someone has access to the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your help.
Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with a compartment that is hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to employ this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult 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 on your gas tank it could be the perfect spot to conceal it because it won't be as visible. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. By taking a few minutes to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most frequent hiding spots and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and not waste any time or money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication business. But, they'll require the exact type, make and year of your car to duplicate a key.
You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses a smart fob. This can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service at less than a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and provide professionals to your location to assist you get back in your car.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It's important to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This ensures that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it will also protect you in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is to not panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member, if needed.