What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be made at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). 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 in your vehicle. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you must do when you've lost your only car key is to be calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make the situation worse.
Try to remember the last time you observed them. They might have been lost when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket as you were running an outing. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.
If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue to locate your keys. Check every spot you recorded. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick 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 major issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your car's only key.
Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to find it. First, retrace your steps and consider the last time you held keys in your hands. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and often they end in the back of your car where you can't see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go into a store.
You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.
If replace a lost car key to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for help. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and it is a newer model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while on the phone or lost them, it's easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the right place. It is important to check 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 a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check these places too.
There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a relative gets the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your assistance.
Another method of hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
The hood is the final place to check. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.
Car keys lost can be a huge hassle but there are ways to reduce the impact they have on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and not waste any time or money.
Call a Locksmith
If you've lost your car keys, you should call locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also give you advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to copy the correct key.
If your car is an older model, or if it uses a smart key fob you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be expensive in particular when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to assist you get back in your car.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in the event of being attacked or robbed. By reporting your keys, you will 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 prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is that you should never panic. Instead, you should follow the steps above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed.