If you’ve ever lost your car keys, you know the panic that sets in. Unfortunately, you may not have a spare key, and if you don’t?
Luckily, you can do a few things to try and find your keys or get a new set if worst comes to worst. This article will go over what to do if you lose your car keys and have no spare.
Retrace Your Steps
First, try and retrace your steps. Think about where you last had your keys and return to that spot. If you can’t remember where you had them last, think about any other places they might be. Check your pockets, purse, car, and anywhere else they could be.
If you still can’t find them, it’s time to start looking in more creative places. Check under furniture, in the laundry, or anywhere else they could have fallen without you realizing it.
Usually, keys are lost in plain sight, so it’s crucial to check the obvious places before moving on thoroughly.
Check with Friends and Family
If you still can’t find your keys, the next step is to check with friends and family.
If someone borrowed your car or had access to your keys, they may have accidentally taken them or put them in a safe place and forgotten about them. It’s also possible that someone saw you drop your keys and picked them up.
Either way, it’s worth asking if anyone knows where your keys might be. They may have seen them and not realized it, so it’s important to ask even if you don’t think they would have taken them on purpose.
Call a Locksmith
If you’ve tried the above and still can’t find your keys, then it’s time to call a locksmith. A locksmith will be able to help you get a new key for your car. They can also help if your keys are locked in the vehicle. In most cases, a locksmith will be able to get you a new set of keys within a few hours.
While it’s not the cheapest option, it’s usually the quickest and most convenient way to get a new set of keys. Also, even though most cars nowadays have transponder keys, which can be more expensive to replace, a locksmith will be able to make you a new key for most cars.
Pick Your Car’s Lock
If you’re feeling adventurous and think that your keys may be inside your vehicle, you can try and pick your car’s lock.
Picking your car’s lock is usually not the best idea, as it can damage your car’s lock, but it’s worth a try if you’re out of options. You can buy a lock picking kit online or at most hardware stores.
Once you have the gear, watch a few tutorial videos on picking a lock before trying it on your car. It’s also a good idea to practice on another lock first, such as a padlock, before trying to pick your car’s lock.
In addition, many mechanics will be able to pick your car’s lock for you if you take it to them. If you see one driving by, you can flag them down and ask for help.
Buy Another Key From the Dealer
If you’ve lost your only set of car keys, you can always buy another key from the dealer, which is usually the most expensive option, but it’s also convenient.
In most cases, you can order a new key online or over the phone and have it shipped to you within a few days.
Alternatively, you can head to the dealership and have a new key made on the spot. However, this will usually take longer and be more expensive. Either way, make sure you have your vehicle’s VIN handy when ordering a new key from the dealer.
Get a New Key Made at a Local Hardware Store
If you need a new set of keys in a pinch, you can always try a local hardware store. Most hardware stores will have a key-cutting machine that can make you a new set of keys. However, it’s important to note that not all hardware stores will be able to make you a new set of keys.
In addition, the quality of the keys may not be as good as what you would get from a locksmith or dealer. Nevertheless, it’s worth checking out your local hardware store if you’re in a bind and need a new set of keys right away.
Find Your Local Auto Club
If you’re a member of an auto club, such as AAA, they may be able to help you if you’ve lost your car keys. In most cases, they will be able to send someone out to help you get a new set of keys.
However, this service is usually only available during business hours. If you need a new set of keys outside of business hours, you may have to call a locksmith or dealer.
Check Your Car’s Warranty
If your car is still under warranty, you may be able to get a new set of keys from the manufacturer. In most cases, the manufacturer will cover the cost of a new set of keys if they are lost or stolen.
However, it’s important to note that you may have to pay a deductible. Check with your car’s manufacturer to see if they will cover the cost of a new set of keys; however, you’ll have to do it during business hours since most dealerships are closed on weekends.
Check Your Insurance Policy
If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance policy may cover the cost of a new set of keys. In most cases, you will have to pay a deductible, but it’s worth checking with your insurance company to see if they will cover the cost of a new set of keys.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to get a new set right away since you’ll have to go through the claims process first.
Wrapping Up…
You have a few options if you’ve lost your car keys and don’t have any spares. You can call a locksmith, try and pick your car’s lock, buy a new key from the dealer, or get a new key made at a local hardware store. If you’re a member of an auto club, they may also be able to help you.
Lastly, if your car is still under warranty, you may be able to get a new set of keys from the manufacturer. Whatever you decide, make sure you have your car’s VIN handy since you’ll need it to get a new set of keys.
And, as soon as you get a new set of keys, be sure to make a spare! Then, if you lose your keys again, you won’t have to go through all of this again and can use your spare.
