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, etc. It's not always the big things. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be made at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It can be a nightmare 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 need to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to stay 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 to remember when you last had your keys. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket when you got out of the car to do an errand, or they may be missing while bringing groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Once you've jotted down all the possible places your keys could be, double make sure you check each spot. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
A few years ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge deal. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your sole car key.
Take an exhale before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where they aren't visible.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be car keys lost no spare to pay focus on the areas you usually put them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run into a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob that has chip and is an older model, you'll have to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's good that the majority of people have an extra key in their workplace or at home which they can quickly locate. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check the same places as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store your spare keys. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend receives the key, they won't be able to open it without your help.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to see.
The hood is a final location to check. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be as obvious. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a real pain but there are ways to lessen their impact on your daily life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area can save you time and money.
Call for a locksmith
If you don't have spare keys, the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option however, remember that these types of establishments typically require the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly.
You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has an electronic fob. It can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your car, and it can take a few days or even weeks.
One thing that many people don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as a dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your home to help you get back in your car.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your car. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your car keys. Instead, follow the steps above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member if needed.