Why I Lost My Only Car Key Is More Dangerous Than You Realized
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands work and socializing with friends things get lost. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes, it's the little things such as keys.
A new key for most cars can be made in your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract your steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get into your car. You could lose time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could cause more damage.
Start by trying to recall when you last looked at your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were running an errand. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in a matter of minutes.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Check every spot you recorded. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them right 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 big deal. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of its model. That's why it's important to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key Take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your hand. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other things, and often they end on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the places where you usually put them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store, or perhaps you walked into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact a locksmith and ask for help. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chip and is it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If lost key for car have a spare key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously stored them. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer on your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your vehicle to allow you to store a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend has access to the key, they won't be able to open it without your help.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
Another place to look is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank it could be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be so obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to prevent the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of lost car keys on your daily routine. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith will also save you time and money.
Contact for a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. However, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your car to duplicate keys.
You'll have visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses a smart fob. This can be costly particularly when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as a dealership but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on looking 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 protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is that you shouldn't be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family to help.