It’s never fun to lose the keys to your car. In spite of newer security features, it still happens to most people at one time or another. If you’ve found yourself in this unfortunate situation, here are some steps you can take to keep your car safe while you wait to get new keys.
Stay with the Vehicle
If you are alone, it is best to stay with your vehicle until help arrives. If you have someone else with you, one of you can stay while the other goes into a nearby business or elsewhere to get assistance. Cell phones, of course, have made it much easier to call for help and then wait with your vehicle until help arrives, although this isn’t always an option. However, it is best not to leave your vehicle unattended, especially if it is unlocked.
Tow It to Safety
If your keys are gone and you don’t want to leave your car where it currently is, such as on the side of the road or in a business’s parking lot, you may need to spring for a tow. A tow can be pricey but it will end with your car secure at a dealership, mechanic, police department, auto locksmith office or other facility where it will be in a garage, enclosed parking lot or at the very least watched by security cameras. This will put your mind at ease while you go through the process of getting new keys made, which can take up to several days depending on the method you choose to use.
Call an Auto Locksmith
Most towns and cities have locksmiths who can come out and help you when you lose your car keys. Depending on the type of key your car uses, it may need to be towed to a dealership or the locksmith may be able to provide you replacement keys on the spot. Some auto locksmiths are equipped to create and program newer keys, though the odds are better the older your vehicle is.
Call the Police
Law enforcement officers also have methods to get into locked vehicles. Be prepared to show your driver’s license and give them any other identification information they ask for. They have a number of lockout tools they can use to get into locked cars. They are also equipped to determine whether you are who you say you are, keep you and your car safe, and help you find ways to replace lost keys.
Losing your car keys is a stressful situation, but it is one that can be remedied by the right professionals. Take steps to ensure the vehicle remains safe while you are off getting help if at all possible, especially depending on where you are. To make sure the incident doesn’t repeat itself in the future, be sure to get a spare key made and keep it in a safe, accessible location.
