What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands socializing with friends, and work - things get lost. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes, it's the small things such as keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap option.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and be unable to get into your car. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you lose your only car key is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make the situation worse.
Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. It could be as easy 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. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost keys in a matter of minutes.
If retracing your steps does not work, you can try noting down all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a major issue. In the past people kept spare keys in a small container that was that was attached to their vehicle. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your car's only key.
Before you start worrying about losing your sole car key, take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the floor, where you can't see them.
Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you typically place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard after you got out of your vehicle to go to the store.
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 be sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.
Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without any electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you'll need to contact the dealership to get a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave, 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 spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be located in the correct spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places you've previously stored the keys. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over the same places as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can place on your vehicle to store your spare keys. visit my web site are ideal for hiding keys because they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units have combination locks, so even if someone gets the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your help.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the gas cap it could be the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be as visible. Use a strong tape to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Lost car keys can be a real pain however, there are ways to reduce the impact they have on your day to day life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places and calling an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you lose the car key and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and provide you with advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these types of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your car to duplicate a key correctly.
You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service at less than a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your location to assist you get back into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This ensures that nobody else will have access to your car without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a family member, if needed.