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 small stuff such as keys.
For most vehicles, a new key can be made at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.
Retract your steps
There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able get in your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you've lost the only car key you have is to be calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make things worse.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. You might have lost them when you brought your groceries in or put them in your pocket when you ran an run. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
In the past the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge problem. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their vehicle. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and model year. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case you ever do lose your car's only key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to find it. First, retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other things, and often they end in the back of your car where you don't even see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you typically put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you left your car to go into the store.
It is also important to examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook things in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one right on the spot. However, if you have a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich or call or you simply forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. The good news is that most people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can put on your car to store keys that you don't need. They are ideal to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over a bump and also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without your permission.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.
One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.
There are lost vehicle keys G28 Car Keys to reduce the impact of lost car keys on your daily routine. By taking a moment to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most frequent hiding spots, and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and not waste any money or time.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do if you've lost your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and give you tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. But, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.
If your car is a more recent model, or has an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your car and can take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as a dealership, but at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you with getting into your car.
It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from criminal charges should someone attempt to steal your car. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if you need to ask a friend or family member to assist.