How I Lost My Only Car Key Transformed My Life For The Better
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.
A new key for all cars can be made in the 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 to get in your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you must do when you lose the only car key you have is to remain calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.
Try to remember the last time you observed them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to do an errand, or they may have been dropped when you were bringing groceries inside. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.
If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing all the places you visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue to locate your keys. After you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each place again. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge deal. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your sole car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key Take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions, you can work through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and reflect on when you last had the keys in your hands. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where you can't see them.
The next thing to do is thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally 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 a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.
It is also important to examine your purses, pockets, and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to call a locksmith for assistance. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If, however, you own an older key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or simply lost them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or a drawer on your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are ideal to hide keys since they won't fall off accidentally when driving over bumps and they also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means even if someone gets the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.
The hood is the final place to check. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys the best thing you can do if you lose your car keys is to call locksmith. They can help you retrieve the lost key quickly, and offer suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication company. But, they'll need the exact brand, model and year of your car to duplicate a key.
If your car is a newer model, or if it uses an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly in particular if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your home to help you get back into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-lost-car-keys-near-me/ to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This ensures that no one else will have access to your car without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in the event of being robbed or assaulted. By notifying your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps above and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.