The Complete Guide To I Lost My Only Car Key
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work Things are lost. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the tiniest things like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be created at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and be unable to get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys faster and can cause more damage.
Begin by trying to remember when you last saw them. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to go on an run, or they could have been lost while carrying groceries into the house. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps isn't working try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. After you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each spot. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a big deal. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small container that was that was attached to their car. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other things, and often they end in the back of your car where you can't see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places where you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or put them on your dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to an establishment.
Also, you should look through your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure you empty them and carefully examine every crevice.
Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you'll have to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be located in the right place. If you have a spare key, it is important to look over all the places you've previously hidden them. This includes obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over the same places as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can put 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. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a friend, they can't open it without you.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, but you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. This is a good place to conceal a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily life. By taking a few minutes to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots, and calling the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid losing any time or money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to contact locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and provide you with tips on how to prevent this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. But, lost my car keys 'll need the exact brand, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.
You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses smart fobs. This can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the correct key for your car, and it can take a few days or even weeks.
One thing that many people don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as a dealership but at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to help you get into your car.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It's important to report your keys as soon as you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on watch for anyone who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from criminal charges should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Instead, you should follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a family member if needed.