What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key In the chaos of life - kids, errands work and socializing with friends things get lost. It's not always the major things. Sometimes, it's the small things, like keys. For most vehicles keys, a new one can be made at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option. Retract Your Steps It's a pain to lose your car's only keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to be calm. Stressing yourself out won't help you locate your keys more quickly and may cause more damage. Start by trying to recall the last time you looked at your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of your car to go on an run, or they could be missing while taking groceries inside. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in no time at all. If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you an idea of where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each place again. Sometimes keys drift to the floor, side or even under something and you might just be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them. Look Inside Your Car It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing, a car key was not a major issue. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. That's why it's important to have a backup in case you lose your sole car key. Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held the keys. 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 don't even see them. Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special focus on the areas you typically put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or placed them on your car's dashboard when you got out of your car to go into the store. Also, you should examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure you empty them and carefully examine every crevice. If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one right on the spot. If, however, you own a modernized key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement. Be aware of your hiding spots It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or simply lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key in their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through the same places as well. There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend 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 purchase a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect. The hood is the final location to check. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank, this can be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it. Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time. Contact a Locksmith If you've lost your car key You should contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these types of establishments typically require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly. If your car is a more recent model, or if it uses a smart key fob you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly particularly if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks. Read More In this article that many people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as a dealership however at less cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance and provide professionals to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle. It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. It is also recommended to inform the police immediately if 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. The act of reporting your keys will allow police officers to be on looking for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is to not panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed get a family member or friend family to help.
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