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 spare car key. It’s not always about the big things. Sometimes it’s just the little things, like keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be created at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive option.
Retract Your Steps
It’s a pain to lose your only car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only key to your car is to be calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.
Start by trying to remember the last time you looked at your keys. They might have been lost car keys cost when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket as you ran an errand. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost my only car key keys in no time at all.
If retracing your steps does not work, you can try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes, keys “drift” to the side, floor or under something, and you may be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn’t that long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a major issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their car. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a replace lost car key cost or stolen car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and model year. This is why it’s crucial to have a backup key in the event that you lose your car’s only key.
Take your time before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and reflect on when you last held the keys in your hands. It’s not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other things, and often they end in the back of your car, where you don’t even see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you typically put 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 into an establishment.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you’re still unable to locate your keys, it’s time to contact a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If, however, you own a modernized key fob that has chips, you’ll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.
Be aware of your hiding spots
If you were in a rush to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or even forgot your keys it’s easy to lose them when you are working. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can easily be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, it is important to check all of the places you’ve previously kept the keys. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your car so you can stash a spare key in it. They are ideal for hiding keys because they can’t be knocked off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a friend receives the key but they aren’t in a position to open the door without your assistance.
Another trick to hide keys is to buy fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
The hood is the final location to check. If you have keys that open 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 heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key doesn’t fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
There are methods to lessen the impact of lost keys for my car car keys on your daily life. By taking a moment to retract your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Contact a Locksmith
If you lose your car keys, you should call locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and offer suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that’s another option but remember that these kinds of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys correctly.
You’ll have visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with an electronic fob. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car, and it can take days or even weeks.
One thing that many people do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as a dealership however at less cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to help you get into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It is also important to inform the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who is trying to use your car illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could even protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Try the above steps and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family member to assist.