What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost key for car in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it’s the small stuff like keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be created at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get in your vehicle. You can lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to remain calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can cause more damage.
Start by trying to remember the last time you looked at your keys. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were running an outing. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing steps doesn’t work, try writing all the places you visited throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. After you’ve written down all the possible spots your keys could be, make sure you check each place again. You may find keys “drift” on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn’t that long ago that misplacing, or losing a car keys was not a major issue. In the past people kept spare keys in a small box that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of the model. It’s why it’s essential to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you’ve calmed down you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It’s normal to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car floor, where you can’t be able to see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you normally put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you exited your car to go into a store.
Also, you should examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance when you’re unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn’t have electronic components, you can request a replacement right away. If you have a key with chips and is an older model, you’ll need to contact the dealership to get a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It’s easy to forget your keys when you’re busy. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it’s easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, it is essential to check all of the places you’ve previously hidden the keys. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store keys that you don’t need. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won’t fall off when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend gets the key and opens the door, they won’t be in a position to open the door without your assistance.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is the perfect spot to conceal it since it won’t be as obvious. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure the key doesn’t fall off or G28carkeys.Co.uk scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a major hassle however, there are ways to reduce their impact on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also save you time and money.
Call a Locksmith
If you don’t have a spare set of keys the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they’ll also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that’s another option however, remember that these kinds of businesses usually require the exact make, model and year of your car in order to copy a key correctly.
You’ll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with an electronic fob. It can be costly particularly if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.
Most people aren’t aware that a locksmith can provide the same service at less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you in getting into your car.
It’s worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. It’s crucial to report your keys as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on watch for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed ask a friend or family member to assist.
