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, and so on. It’s not always the big things. Sometimes, it’s the little things such as keys.
A new key for all cars can be made in 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 car’s only keys and be unable to access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your car is to be calm. Doing your best to panic isn’t going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.
Start by trying remembering the last time you seen them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to run an appointment, or they might have been lost car keys near me while carrying groceries into the house. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing steps doesn’t work, try writing every place you went to during the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you recorded. It is possible that keys “drift” on the floor, side or under something, and you’ll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big issue. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, how to replace car keys when lost depending on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It’s why it’s essential to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. First, retrace your steps and reflect on when you last held the keys in your hand. It’s not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where you can’t see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you normally put them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to run to a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.
Also, you should look through your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can obtain an immediate replacement. However, if you have a modernized key fob that includes a chip, you’ll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.
Check Your Hide Spots
It doesn’t matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone or you simply forgot your keys, it’s easy to lose keys when you’re working. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. It is essential to look over every place you’ve hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these places too.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your car so you can store a spare key in it. These are great for hiding keys because they aren’t able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a friend they aren’t able to access it without your permission.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great option for how to replace car Keys when Lost outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.
The hood is the final location to check. This is a great place to hide a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won’t be visible. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.
Lost car keys can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also save you time and money.
Call a locksmith
If you don’t have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also offer tips on how to replace car Keys when lost to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, that’s another option but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the specific model, make and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate a key correctly.
You’ll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has a smart fob. It can be costly particularly when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
Many people don’t know that locksmiths can provide the same service at less than a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send experts to help you get into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting an agent. It is also recommended to notify the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will have access to your car without permission. It will also protect you 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 access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Instead, follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.