What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car KeyThings are lost in the chaos of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the small things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost of replacing lost car keys-effective alternative.
Retract your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and be unable to get into your car. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and could even make things worse.
Start by trying to recall when you last had 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 outing. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your lost car key service keys in no time at all.
If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Once you've jotted down all the possible places where your keys might be, check each place again. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a huge issue. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small box connected to their vehicle. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and the year of its model. It is important to always have a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Take an exhale 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. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing 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 attention to the places you usually put them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a store or maybe you reached into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.
You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to contact an expert locksmith and request help. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you a new one right on the spot. If, however, you own an older key fob that has chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. It doesn't matter if 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. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key in their home or workplace that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places you've previously stored keys. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can place on your car to store keys that you don't need. They are ideal to hide keys since they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning even if someone gets the key, they won't be able to open it without your assistance.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but it is important to be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it difficult for thieves to find.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have an ignition key that opens the gas cap, this can be a great spot to hide it since it won't be as obvious. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle but there are ways to lessen their impact on your day to day life. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. But, they'll need the exact brand, model, and year of your car to duplicate the key.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. It can be expensive and especially if you need to order the correct key lost in car for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.
A thing that many do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealers however at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to your home to help you get back into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on the lookout for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you lose the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if you need to get a family member or friend family member to help.