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 the tiniest things, like keys. A new key for all automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative. Retract Your Steps There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get in your vehicle. You may lose time, money and peace of your mind. But the first thing you should do if you lose the only car key you have is to remain calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation worse. Start by trying to remember when you last looked at your keys. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to go on an run, or they could have been lost while you were taking groceries inside. You can find your keys by tracing your steps. If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down every place you went to during the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. Check every spot you recorded. Sometimes keys drift to the side, floor or even under something and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them. Look Inside Your Car Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big deal. In the past people kept a spare key in a small box attached to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of the model. That's why it's important to have a backup key in the event that you lose your only car key. Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where they aren't visible. lost car keys to do is thoroughly search your car, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard when you left your car to go into the store. Also, you should examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice. If you still can't find your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has chips and is it is a newer model, you will have to contact the dealer to request a new one. Make sure you are aware of your hide spots It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key in their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. If you have a spare key, you need to examine all places where you have previously kept them. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well. There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. These are perfect to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative has access to the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your help. A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas, but you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to find. The hood is the final place to check. This is a good place to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a strong tape to keep the key from slipping off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it. There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also save you time and money. Contact a Locksmith If you've lost the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of businesses usually require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy the correct key. You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or uses an electronic fob. It can be costly particularly if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks. A thing that many don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as dealerships however at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to help you get into your car. It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing an agent. It's essential to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on watch for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, you should follow the steps above and ask for the help of a family member if needed.
lost car keys
