I Lost My Only Car Key Tips That Can Change Your Life
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. It's not always the big things. Sometimes, it's the small things, like keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be created at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you've lost your only car key is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make things worse.
Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were running an errand. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Check every spot you wrote down. You might 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
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. That's why it's important to have a backup in case you lose your sole car key.
Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and think about when you last had the keys in your hand. It's common to juggle keys while you are grabbing something other, and they could end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you usually place them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go to a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.
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 a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with a chip and it is a newer model, you'll have to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Check company website doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or you simply forgot your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're distracted. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can stick on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a friend they aren't able to access it without you.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to spot.
The hood is the final place to check. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas it could be a great spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also save you time and money.
Call for a locksmith
If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also give you advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication company. However, they will require the exact model, make, model, and year of your car to duplicate a key.
If your car is a more recent model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. It can be costly, especially when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to help you get back in your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It is also recommended to inform the police 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. By declaring your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you lose your only car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.