What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes it's just the small things like keys.
A new key for all automobiles can be made at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.
Retract your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you must do when you lose your only car key is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and could even make the situation worse.
Try to remember when you last saw them. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you were running an errand. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.
If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you remember where you were and could give you clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, double make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you may be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in the event that you lose your sole car key.
Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and think about when you last had the keys in your hands. It's common to juggle keys while you are grabbing something other, and they could end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to be able to see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you typically place them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store or perhaps you reached into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out.
Take a look in your pockets, purses 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.
If you still can't find your keys, you need to call a locksmith for assistance. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing most people keep an extra key in their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places you've previously stored the keys. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning even if someone has access to the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.
lost car key to check is the hood of your car. This is a good place to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to remove it.
Lost car keys can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to reduce the impact they have on your day to day life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you don't have spare keys the best thing to do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and give you suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to copy the correct key.
If your car is a more recent model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. This can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the right 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 provide the same service as dealerships, but at less cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send experts to assist you with getting into your car.
It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting an agent. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also inform police about anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to take your car. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is to not be in a state of panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed, enlist a friend or family member to help.