Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
The loss of your car key could be a scary experience. There are a variety of options to consider before calling locksmith or roadside assistance.
The first thing to do is to go back and trace your steps. This will help you locate your keys and give you an area to begin before you take further drastic measures.
1. Retract your steps
The loss of keys is one of those things that can really cause stress. They're easy to lose and you may not realize it until you're required to start your car or enter your home. It can be a challenge to get in your vehicle when you don't have a spare.
It is important to remain calm and retrace the steps you did. This will help you locate your keys quickly and avoid needing to contact a locksmith or go to the dealership to purchase new keys. Your lost keys will usually be within reach or close to something you've carried. It's a good idea go through your pockets, purses, and bags before you start returning to your steps.
Another great way to find your keys that are lost is to ask your family and friends members if they've seen them. They can often provide you with useful information and guide you in the right direction. This is especially helpful when you live in a house with family or roommates.
If you've rummaged through your purses, wallets, and bags and can't find your keys, it could be time to look inside your vehicle. You may find that your keys are within the vehicle and you just need to look at the right place to find them. This is a simple step that can save you from a lot of headaches.
Get a professional's help if your keys aren't inside the vehicle. It's going to cost you money, however it is worth it to not worry about being locked out. In the future, you should think about getting an extra key made so that you can get rid of this issue completely. You can even add a brightly colored keychain on your keys to make them easier to locate. This will ensure that you'll always be aware of where they are and can find them quickly. This is a very small but extremely worthwhile investment!
2. Empty Your Pockets
Car keys lost and no spare can be an extremely frustrating experience. spare key replacement happens more frequently than you think and usually happens at the worst time, like when you're late for work. In this situation, it's best to stay calm and adhere to these steps.
The first step is to trace your steps. This will help you identify the location and time when keys were lost. Afterwards, make sure to thoroughly check your bags and pockets. You should also check the coats and jackets you may have worn. It's also recommended to ask the staff at any restaurants or stores you've went to if they've seen your keys.
It is easy to forget your keys in your clothes' pockets. This is especially true if you've got an extensive pocket inside a jacket or coat. In addition to coats and jackets, it's a good idea examine any bags that you have with you. Purses, messenger bags and backpacks can all be hiding places for lost keys. Check the inside of your vehicle to determine whether you have any keys.
It's a good idea to empty out all of the pockets in any bags that you have with you, as well as to empty your messenger or purse bag. This will allow you to determine whether your keys are tucked away in the lining of your bag. It's also an excellent idea to make use of flashlights to illuminate the dark areas of your purse or bag.
You can also walk around your home shouting louder than you could ever "car keys!" It might sound silly, but shouting out the name of something you are seeking will increase the odds of locating the item.
If you're still struggling to find your keys, call an locksmith. They can assist you in getting an additional car key or even install a new lock for your door in the event of need.
3. Check under the car
It's common for things to get lost in the shuffle of everyday chores from grocery shopping to dinner with the family to a day at the park. Sometimes it's a debit card or your favorite pair of sunglasses, but other times it's most important things like your car keys. And if you don't have an extra, it can cause a massive headache and a major inconvenience.
Before you get scared, take a deep breath, and start searching for your lost car keys. It's always a good idea to start with the most obvious places first. For instance, did you set them on your coffee table while you were heading out the door? Or perhaps you put them on the counter to grab something from the fridge, but then closed the door and forgot about them.
If you've cleared all of your pockets and purses (and if the lock was not locked and you didn't have help, ask someone to search the car well), went back through your day to find out where they could have gone missing, and sifted through every surface you're likely remember passing by as you left the home, it could be time to check under the car. You never know if the key fob has fallen into a crevice between your seat cushion and floor mat, or if you accidentally knocked it out of your bag when reaching for something.
Of course the best way to avoid a situation similar to this is to establish a routine of putting your keys in the same spot when you get home from work. It could take a month or so for it to become a habit, but the longer you can maintain this routine and the more easy it will be to locate your car keys the next time you need them. To ensure that you're prepared in case of an emergency, it also helps to include GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service on your policy, which will help you avoid the expense of a tow vehicle or replacing your lost car keys.
4. Look back over your day
It's easy to overlook important things when you're occupied with your day-to-day tasks. This includes running errands or meeting friends for dinner. The loss of your car keys could be a major setback to your plans.
Before you begin calling everyone you know to inquire them where your car keys are take a deep breath and be careful not to get stressed. Once you've gained control of your emotions, the first thing you should do is go back to where you started. When did you last remember having your car keys? This will help you figure out the place they went missing.
Then, empty any pockets or bags you might have used to store them. You should also check places that you wouldn't normally consider, like the pockets of your jacket or shoes or the coat. Also, look around the area where you keep your keys for your car at home. You may have placed them on a table or else when you entered the home.
The loss of keys to your car is not enjoyable, but if you follow these steps, you will be able to locate them quickly and easily, without needing to contact a locksmith or family members to seek help. You can prevent this from happening in the future by having an area designated for your keys inside. It may take a time to get used to this but after a while, it'll become a habit and you won't need to be concerned about them being lost.