5 Reasons I Lost My Only Car Key Is Actually A Positive Thing
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. Sometimes it's the smallest things such as keys.
A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you need to do when you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make things worse.
Start by trying to remember when you last looked at your keys. lost my car key could be as easy as them being in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to do an run, or they could have been dropped while carrying groceries into the house. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.
If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and could give you an idea of where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a major issue. In the past, a majority of people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your car's only key.
Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key Take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you usually put them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to run into a store or maybe you went to your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out.
Also, you should check your pockets, purses, and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
Contact a locksmith if you can't find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without any electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. However, if you have a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and call or you simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're distracted. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can be found in the right spot. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could put on your vehicle to store a spare key. These are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over a bump and they also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative has access to the key but they aren't able to open it without your assistance.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking 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 see.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. This is a great place to conceal a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Just 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 go to remove it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of keys lost in your car on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your only car key is contact locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. But, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.
If your car is a newer model, or if it uses a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.
A thing that many don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealers however at less cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to your location to assist you get back into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else will have access to your car without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By reporting your keys, you also inform police about anyone who is trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is that you should never panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed, enlist a friend or family to help.