A Step-By-Step Guide To Selecting The Right I Lost My Only Car Key
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the chaos of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends - things are lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff like keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be created at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cheap option.
Retract your steps
It's a pain to lose your sole car keys and be unable to get into your car. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make the situation worse.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you looked at your keys. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket as you ran an outing. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places your keys could be, make sure you examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
Not so long ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big problem. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small container stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. It is essential to have a spare car key in case you lose your original.
Take your time before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't be able to see them.
Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you typically put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go into the store.
Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure you empty them and scrutinize every crevice.
Call a locksmith for assistance when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If you have a key fob with chips and is it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to request a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hide spots
If you were in a rush to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or you simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the correct spot. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle to allow you to store a spare key in it. They are ideal to hide keys since they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over bumps, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without you.
Another trick to hide keys is to buy fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.
Lost car keys can be a major hassle but there are ways to reduce the impact they have on your day to day life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.
Contact a Locksmith
If you've lost your car key and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and offer tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate keys correctly.
If your car is a more recent model, or uses an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and provide professionals to your location to help you get back into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Notifying your keys will let police officers be on the lookout for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In that guy of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you lose your car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member if necessary.