The Most Successful I Lost My Only Car Key Gurus Are Doing Three Things
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.
For most cars keys, a new one can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get into your car. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you've lost your only car key is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and could cause more damage.
Begin by trying to remember the last time you seen them. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to go on an appointment, or they might be missing while you were bringing groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue to locate your keys. After you've written down all possible places your keys could be, check each place again. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge issue. The majority of people had spare keys connected to their car in a small container stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup in the event that you lose your car's only key.
Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.
The next step is thoroughly search your car, especially the places you normally keep them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a shop or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.
Contact a locksmith if you can't find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob that has a chip and it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.
Check Your Hide Spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone or lost them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key at their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. These are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a person they aren't able to access it without your permission.
Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have a hidden compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method make sure you use 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 hide 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 slipping off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact on your day to day life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith can also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Call for a locksmith
If you don't have spare keys the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. However, they will require the exact make, model and year of your car to duplicate keys.
If your car is a newer model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.
One thing that many people 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 provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to assist you get back into your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing the dealer. lost keys car is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and will also protect you in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on looking for anyone trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is that you should never be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family member to assist.