What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work things are lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff like keys.
A new key for all cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You can lose money, time and peace of your mind. But the first thing you should do when you've lost your car keys is to be calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation worse.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you looked at your keys. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to do an appointment, or they might have been dropped while you were taking groceries inside. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down every place you went to during the day. This will help you remember where you were and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. After you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, make sure you examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a major issue. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It's important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.
Take a deep breath before you start worrying 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 try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they can end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search your car, particularly the places you normally keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or put them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go into a store.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith for help. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. However, if you've got an older 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 doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or you simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, you need to examine all places where you have previously kept the keys. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or even a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are ideal to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also have combination locks, so even if someone gets the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your help.
Another trick to hide keys is to buy fake rocks that have an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that thieves are often looking 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 see.
Read the Full Document is the final spot to look. If you have keys that open the cap for gas and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily life. By taking a moment to retract your steps and scouring the most common hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.
Call a Locksmith
If you lose the car key, you should call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening again. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option but remember that these types of establishments usually require the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly.
If your car is an older model, or if it uses a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly and especially if you need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.
A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as dealerships but at only a fraction of the cost. Insurance policies often cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to assist you get back into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It is also important to notify the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can have access to your car without permission, and it also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. The act of reporting your keys will allow police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is to not panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to assist.