5 Motives I Lost My Only Car Key Is Actually A Good Thing
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things like keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cheap option.
Retract your steps
It is frustrating to lose your car's only keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. But the first thing you must do if you lose the only car key you have is to remain calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys more quickly and may cause more damage.
Start by trying to remember the last time you had your keys. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket when you got out of your car to go on an run, or they could be missing while you were carrying groceries into the house. You can locate your keys by following your steps.
If you aren't able to retrace steps try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a huge issue. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. lost car keys , however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup key in the event that you lose your sole car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key, take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down, you can work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the floor where you cannot see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search your car, especially the places where you usually put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or put them on your dashboard after you left your car to go to an establishment.
You should also look through your purses, pockets, and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create an entirely new key on the spot. However, if lost car keys got an older key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
If you were in a hurry to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or call, or simply forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could put on your car to store keys that you don't need. They are great for hiding keys as they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units have combination locks, so that even if a friend receives the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your assistance.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to employ this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
The hood is a final spot to look. It's a good spot to conceal keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be 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 attempt to remove it.
Lost car keys can be a real pain, 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 contacting the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Call a Locksmith
If you've lost your car keys, you should call a locksmith. They can help you recover the key quickly and give you tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication company. However, they will need the exact type, make and year of your car to duplicate a key.
You'll have visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has smart fobs. 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 don't know that locksmiths can provide the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your location to help you get back in your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before choosing a dealership. It is also important to report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Notifying your keys will enable police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst-case scenario, this could even protect you from prosecution if someone does try to take your vehicle. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Try the above steps and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to assist.