How I Lost My Only Car Key Changed My Life For The Better
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work things get lost. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things, like keys.
A new key for the majority of cars can be made in your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost option.
Retract your steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get in your vehicle. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic won't help you locate your keys quicker and could cause more damage.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you looked at your keys. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket when you got out of your car to go on an errand, or they may have been dropped while you were carrying groceries into the house. Following your steps can aid in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.
If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. After you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you examine each location. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.
Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hands. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can end up on the floor where you cannot see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go to a store or maybe you reached into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with chip and is it is a newer model, you'll have to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
Whether you were in a hurry to get out the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or even forgot your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're working. It's a good thing the majority of people have a spare key in their home or workplace that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, it is important to examine all places you've previously kept them. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a friend, they can't open it without you.
Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks with a compartment that is hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.
One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas, this can be an ideal spot to hide it since it won't be as obvious. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from slipping off or scratching the paint on your car when you take it off. it.
Lost car keys can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to reduce the impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots, and calling a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.
Call an expert locksmith
If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to contact locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. However, lost car key replacement will need the exact brand, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.
If your car is an older model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your car, and it can take a few days or even weeks.
One thing that many people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as a dealership but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It is also important to inform 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 declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from criminal charges if someone does try to take your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you lose your car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member if necessary.