10 Tips For I Lost My Only Car Key That Are Unexpected
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends things are lost. It's not always the major things. Sometimes, it's the small things such as keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive alternative.
Retract your Steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. You could lose time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you need to do when you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could cause more damage.
Begin by trying to remember the last time you seen them. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were running an errand. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be able to pick them up right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
In the past the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big issue. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small container that was that was attached to their car. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. It's important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.
Take an exhale before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the areas where you typically place them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go to a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.
Check your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them and carefully examine every crevice.
If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to contact an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one right on the spot. If replacing lost car keys have a key with a chip and an older model, you will need to contact the dealership to get a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be easily found in the right spot. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store a spare key. These are ideal to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a friend has access to the key but they aren't able to open it without your help.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.
Another place to look is the hood of your car. This is a great place to conceal a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Make sure you use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to remove it.
Lost car keys can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to minimize their impact on your daily life. By taking a moment to retract your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and calling the local locksmith, you can find your keys and not waste any money or time.
Call a locksmith
If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and provide you with tips on how to prevent this happening again in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. However, they will need the exact brand, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.
If your car is an older model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your car, and it can take a few days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service for less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you with getting into your car.
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 as soon as you can. This will 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 alert police officers to anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Follow the steps above and, if you need to ask a friend or family member to help.