What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands work and socializing with friends things are lost. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things, like keys.
For most vehicles, a new key can be created at your local hardware store along 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 access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to be calm. Stressing yourself out won't help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.
Begin by attempting to remember when you last had your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an appointment, or they might be missing while you were taking groceries inside. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost keys in a matter of minutes.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you have been throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge issue. In the past people kept spare keys in a small container that was attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose your original.
Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions, you can work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hands. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the areas where you typically keep them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your car's dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go to an establishment.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.
Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. If you have a key with a chip and a more recent model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.
Check lost key to car no spare
If you were in a rush to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone or you simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are busy. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key in their office or home that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, it is important to examine all places where you have previously kept keys. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can place on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are great to hide keys since they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend receives the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. This is a good 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 falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you take it off. it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day to day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most frequent hiding spots and contacting an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car to duplicate a key correctly.
You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or uses an electronic fob. This can be costly, especially when the dealer needs to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.
Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's important to report your keys as soon as you can. This ensures that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and will also protect you in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is that you should never panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed get a family member or friend family to help.