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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, and so on. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.
Retract Your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your car's only keys and not be able to get into your car. You may lose time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to remain calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could cause more damage.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or put them in your pocket when you were out running an errand. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a major issue. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the car's type and the year of manufacture. It's important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.
Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can go through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and reflect on when you last had the keys in your palm. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they can end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Be replacing lost car key to pay attention to the areas where you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard after you left your vehicle to go to the store.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance if you can't locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob with chip and is an older model, you'll need to contact the dealership to request a new one.
Be aware of your hiding spots
If you were in a rush to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone, or simply forgot your keys It's easy to forget them when you are busy. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can be found in the right spot. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can place on your car to store a spare key. replacing a lost car key are ideal for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you give the key to a person, they can't open it without your permission.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.
The hood is the final location to check. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be so obvious. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a major hassle, but there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith will also help you avoid wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you lose your car keys and you've lost it, you must contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and provide you with tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option but remember that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key.
If your car is an older model, or if it has a smart key fob you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly particularly if they have to order the correct key for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.
One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as a dealership, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance to send professionals to your home to help you get back in your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also important to inform the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also inform police about anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you should never be in a panic. Try the above steps and, if needed, enlist a friend or family member to assist.