8 Tips To Improve Your I Lost My Only Car Key Game
What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the small stuff such as keys.
For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.
Retract your steps
It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.
Start by trying to recall when you last looked at your keys. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket as you were out running an errand. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your lost keys in no time at all.
If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Check every spot you wrote down. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge issue. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a small 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 disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and model year. It is important to always have a spare car key in case you lose the original.
Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the areas where you typically place them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to run to a store or perhaps you reached into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out.
It is also important to examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key with chips and is it is a newer model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone, or simply lost your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're working. It's a good thing most people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home which they can quickly locate. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. 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. Request a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could put on your car to store a spare key. These are great to hide keys since they won't fall off by accident when you drive over a bump and also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means even if someone receives the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.
One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. This is a good place to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle, but there are ways to reduce their impact on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.
Contact a locksmith
Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening again. If lost car key replacement know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses usually require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy a key correctly.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has smart fobs. This can be costly particularly when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.
One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as a dealership however at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to help you get into your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It is also recommended to report your keys to 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. The act of reporting your keys will enable police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario it could also protect you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is to not panic. Instead, try the steps above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.