What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends and so on. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be made at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.
Retract your Steps
It's a pain to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make things worse.
Start by trying to remember the last time you had your keys. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you got out of the car to do an appointment, or they might have been dropped while taking groceries inside. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing every place you went to during the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. After you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, check each place again. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or losing a car keys was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can go through the steps to locate it. Begin by retracing your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other things, and often they end in the back of your car where you can't see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go into an establishment.
Also, you should look through 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 make sure you empty them and scrutinize every crevice.
Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If you have a key with chips and is an older model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.
Check Your Hiding Spots
It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's good that most people keep an extra key in their office or home that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, you need to check all of the places where you have previously hidden keys. lost auto key www.g28carkeys.co.uk includes obvious places like a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to keep a spare key inside 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 units also have combination locks, so that even if a relative gets the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.
Another trick to hide keys is to buy a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method, you can use dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to find.
Another place to look is the hood of your car. This is a good place to hide a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
There are ways to reduce the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps and scouring the most common hiding spots and calling the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.
Contact a locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys correctly.
You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. This can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take a few days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you in getting into your vehicle.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also important to inform the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without your permission, and will also protect you in the event of being attacked or robbed. The act of reporting your keys will enable police officers to be on watch for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution if someone does try to take your car. It is important to not panic if you lose your car keys. Try the above steps and, if you need to get a family member or friend family to help.