What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, and so on. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes it's just the small things like keys.
A new key for most cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost option.
Retract Your Steps
It's a pain to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You may lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can cause more damage.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or put them in your pocket as you ran an errand. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue to locate your keys. Once you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, double check each place again. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.
Check Inside Your Car
It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a major issue. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the car's type and year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.
Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key, take your 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 when you last held the keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where you usually put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your car's dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to a store.
Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or big bags.
Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you will have to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.
There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative has access to the key, they won't be able to open it without your help.
Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.
One last place to look is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
Lost car keys can be a real pain, but there are ways to minimize the impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Call a Locksmith
Unless you have spare keys the best thing you can do if you lose your only car key is contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy keys correctly.
If your car is a more recent model, or if it uses a smart key fob you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your location to help you get back into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. You should also notify the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By reporting your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the 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 the car keys that you have is to not panic. Instead, follow G28 Car Keys and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.