What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out won't help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.
Try to remember the last time you observed them. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you were running an errand. Following your steps can help you find your lost keys in no time at all.
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 a clue as to where your keys are. After you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, double check each place again. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you may be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.
Look Inside Your Car
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge deal. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small box attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you lose your sole car key.
Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down, you can work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car floor, where you can't be able to see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you typically put them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.
You should also examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.
Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key with chips and is it is a newer model, you will have to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can easily be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, it is important to examine all places where you have previously kept the keys. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you, ask them to check the same places as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your car to store a spare key. They are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without you.
Another trick to hide keys is to buy a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.
The hood is one last location to check. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank it could be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be so obvious. Make sure you use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a real pain however, there are ways to reduce their impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you lose your car key You should contact a locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also offer suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses usually require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key correctly.
If your car is an older model, or if it has a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly particularly when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealers but at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.
It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting an agent. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery or assault. The act of reporting 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, it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Instead, follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.