Are I Lost My Only Car Key As Important As Everyone Says?
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands socializing with friends, and work Things get lost. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes, it's the tiniest things, like keys.
For most vehicles, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your car's only keys and be unable to access your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you've lost the only car key you have is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and it can cause more damage.
Start by trying remembering the last time you saw them. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket when you ran an run. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to find your keys. After you've written down all possible places your keys could be, examine each location. Sometimes, lost car keys drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you may be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a huge issue. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. That's why it's important to have a backup in case you lose your only car key.
Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay 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 common to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the floor where you cannot see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you usually put them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go to a store or maybe you went to your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.
Also, you should examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.
Contact a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without any electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. However, if you have a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a relative, they can't open it without you.
Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas, this can be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to prevent the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.
Car keys lost can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to minimize the impact on your day-to-day life. replace lost car key can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. A local locksmith can also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Call for a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these types of establishments often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy a key correctly.
You'll need to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses a smart fob. It can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take a few days or even weeks.
A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealerships however at less cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to help you get into your vehicle.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This ensures that no one else will have access to your car without your permission, and also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. Notifying your keys will enable police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario you could be protected 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, try the steps above, and enlist the help of a family member if necessary.