What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get
replacement lost car keys in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cheap option.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get in your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to stay calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make things worse.
Start by trying remembering when you last seen them. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket as you were out running an outing. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in no time at all.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a major issue. Most people had a spare connected to their car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get
lost key for car what to do. Replacing a stolen or
lost key replacement car car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and year of the model. It's important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.
Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and reflect on when you last held the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other things, and often they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you got out of your car to go to an establishment.
It is also important to check your pockets, purses, and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure to empty them and look carefully through every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob with a chip and an older model, you will have to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. It's a good thing many people keep a spare key in their office or home that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, you need to check all of the places you've previously stored the keys. These include obvious places like a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to store a spare key in it. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without your permission.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be so obvious. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to remove it.
replace lost car keys car keys can be a real pain but there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your daily life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places and calling an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.
Contact an expert locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing to do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the
lost a car key key quickly, and offer tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option however, remember that these types of establishments usually require the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy the correct key.
You'll need visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be costly particularly when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
Many people don't know that a locksmith can offer the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a
lost my only car key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to assist you in getting into your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing an agent. It's essential to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on looking for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you lose the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family member to assist.