Lost Keys to Car No Spare? Here's What to Do
Losing your car keys could be a frightening experience. There are a variety of things you can do before calling for help at the roadside or a locksmith.
The first step is to retrace your steps. This will aid you in finding your keys and provide a place to start before you take more drastic measures.
1. Retract your steps
Losing your keys is just one of the things that could make you feel stressed. You may not realize that you've lost your keys until you have to get inside your home or start your car. If you do not have a spare, it could be a trouble to get back into your vehicle.
Be at peace and go back to the steps you took. This will help you locate your keys quickly and avoid having to call a locksmith or go to the dealership to purchase the new key. Usually, your lost keys are within reach or dropped in the vicinity of something you've been carrying around. It's a good idea to look through your purse, pockets and bags prior to you start retracing your steps.
Another way to locate your lost keys is to ask your family or friends members if they saw them. They can often provide you with helpful details and point you in the right direction. This can be especially useful for those who have roommates or family members.
Make sure you check your car if are unable to find your keys after rummaging through your purses, wallets and bags. Sometimes, the keys are inside your car and you need to look in the right spot to locate them. This simple trick can spare you numerous headaches.
If your keys aren't inside the car, it's time to contact a professional. It will cost some money but it's well worth it to not have to worry about being locked out. In the future, consider getting an extra key made to get rid of this issue completely. You could even attach a colorful keychain to make them easier to spot. This will help you to always be aware of where your keys are, and also locate them quickly. This is a small, but very worthwhile investment!
2. Empty your pockets
Car keys lost and without a spare is a very stressful experience. It happens more often than you think and usually happens at the worst possible time such as when you're running late to work. The best option in this scenario is to keep calm and follow the steps below.
The first step is to retrace your steps. This will help you determine where and when keys went missing. Then, thoroughly check your bags and pockets. Also, take a look at any jackets or other outerwear you might have worn. It is also recommended to ask the staff at any restaurants or shops you've went to if they've seen your keys.
If you leave your keys in the pockets of your clothes is a great way to forget. This is especially true if you have a deep pocket in a coat or jacket. In addition to coats and jackets it's a good idea check any bags you carry. Bags, messenger bags, and backpacks can all be hiding places for lost keys. You should also look around the interior of your car to see whether they're there.
Clean out all pockets of any bags you carry with you. Also, empty your messenger bag or purse completely. This will let you know whether any keys are tucked inside the bag's lining. It's also an excellent idea to use a flashlight to shine into the dark corners of your bag or purse.
Another suggestion is to go around the house yelling "car keys!" as loudly as you can. It may sound silly, but shouting out the name of something you're trying to find increases the chances of locating the item.
Contact a locksmith if are still having trouble finding your keys. They can help you get an alternative car key and even install a new door lock in the event of need.
3. Check under the car
When you're running a series of errands - from school drop off and pick-up to grocery run, dinner with the children, or even an afternoon spent at the park - it's not unusual for things to get lost. It could be a debit card, a pair of your favorite sunglasses or even something more crucial like your car keys. If you don't own a spare, then it can be a huge troublesome and major hassle.
Take a deep breath, and begin looking for your keys. Start by looking in the most obvious spots first. Did you leave them on the coffee table as you walked out the door? You might have set them on the counter in your kitchen as you headed to the refrigerator, but then closed the door and then forgot about them.
Make sure to check under the car if you've emptied all your pockets and purses, walk through your day to see if you can remember where you went on the way to your house and emptied every surface you may have encountered. 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 method to avoid a situation similar to this is to establish a habit of putting your keys in the same location after you return from work. It may take a few months for the habit to become established, but the longer you stick to it and the more easy it will be to locate your keys next time you'll need them. If you're looking to be prepared in the event of an emergency, you can also add GEICO's Emergency Roadside Service to your policy. i lost my car keys with no spare will save you money on towing charges or replacing keys lost.
4. Walk Back Through Your Day
Sometimes you get overwhelmed by the day-to-day routine of your kids' activities, running errands, going out with friends for dinner and attempting to complete all of your work tasks that you overlook something crucial. The loss of your car keys could be a major setback to your plans.
But before you start frantically calling everyone you know to ask whether they know where your car keys are take a deep breath, and try not to panic. Once you've regained your calm, you should go back to the steps you made. When was the last time you recall seeing your car keys? This will help you pinpoint where they may have gone missing.
Then, make sure to empty your bags and pockets that you might have put them in. You should also check places you would not typically think of, such as the pockets of your jacket, shoes or the coat. Check the place you keep your keys at home. You may have put them on a table or somewhere away from view as you entered.
Losing keys to your car is never fun, but if you follow these tips you will be able to locate them quickly and conveniently without needing to contact a locksmith or your family for help. You can avoid this problem in the future by making an area designated for your keys inside. After some time you'll become accustomed to it and not have to worry about losing your keys.