What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.
For most cars, a new key can be made at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap option.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys quicker and could cause more damage.
Try to remember the last time you observed them. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket as you were out running an run. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing your steps does not work, try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and may give you clues as to where your keys are. After you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a major issue. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing car keys lost replacement stolen or lost car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Take an exhale before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can go through the steps to locate it. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the places where you usually keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or put them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go to an establishment.
It is also important to examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure you empty them and carefully examine every crevice.
Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can typically make you a new one right on the spot. However, if you have a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or you forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, it is essential to look over all the places you've previously kept keys. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could stick on your car to store your spare keys. These are perfect to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units have combination locks, so that even if a relative gets the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If lost a car key how to replace choose to employ this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to see.
The hood is the final location to check. It's a good spot to hide keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.
Lost car keys can be a huge hassle but there are ways to reduce their impact on your daily life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have spare 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 contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and give you suggestions on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. If you know someone with a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's a different option but remember that these kinds of businesses often need to have the specific model, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key correctly.
If your car is a newer model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly particularly if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.
Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at less than a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send experts to help you get into your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's important to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This helps to 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 attacked or robbed. By notifying your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you have lost your only car keys. Instead, try the steps above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member if necessary.