What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the chaos of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things, like keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract Your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you lose your only car key is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and could even make things worse.
Begin by trying to remember when you last observed them. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you ran an run. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing all the places you visited during the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you may be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
In the past the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge problem. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a small box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case you lose your sole car key.
Take your time before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hands. It's not unusual to carry your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where you don't even see them.
The next step is thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally place them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to run to a store or maybe you reached into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you an entirely new key on the spot. If, however, you own a more modern key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.
Check Your Hide Spots
If you were in a rush to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're working. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can be found in the right spot. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. These are great to hide keys since they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over bumps, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative has access to the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas, but you must be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
The hood is the final location to check. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas, this can be an ideal spot to hide it since it won't be so obvious. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle, but there are ways to reduce the impact they have on your day to day life. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you lose your car keys, you should call locksmith. g28carkeys can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of establishments often need to have the exact make, model and year of your car in order to copy the correct key.
If your car is a more recent model, or if it uses an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take a few days or even weeks.
One thing that many people don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealers, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to assist you in getting into your vehicle.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing an agent. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is that you should never be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary get a family member or friend family member to help.