Desperate for help (Birmingham, Twitter, car keys, NCP)

[LostCarKeys]

AIBU to beg for help from strangers on the internet?

I’m on holiday in Birmingham with three kids. I parked in an NCP car park on Monday night and we’ve been staying in a car park since.

We checked out this morning to leave and head home (Brighton) via Coventry to see my Nan (90 years old).

I can’t find my car keys 🤦🏻‍♀️

I hope you find your car keys op. 💐💐

Try to stop panicking sit somewhere quiet and try to retrace your steps and actions in your mind. Did you go to the loo? I'm always putting them down or dropping them out of my pocket when I go to he loo. Do you ever give stuff to the kids to hold. Where did you go straight after parking.

OP, I just used the Timpson's link to find out how much it would cost to create a new spare key for my car, a 2016 VW with remote locking etc. £305 for the VW-issue replacement, £205 for a non-branded one with full remote functions and £79 for a non-remote simple key that would open the doors and start the ignition and get you home where, hopefully, you have a replacement key available.

I would try Timpsons and rule it out as a possibility before letting the AA step in. Have you checked with your insurer to see if you have lost key cover?

I'd like to thank you and the helpful MNers who've reminded me to do something about getting an extra key before something like this happens to me. Good. luck.

Update: the AA have texted to say they’ll be here in 20 minutes.

I've only read OP's messages so sorry if repeating.
I have found an NCP number: 0345 050 7080

Have you checked the lining in both of your bags? One of mine has a small hole in and things disappear between the lining and the outer bag.

Did the room have a safe? Sounds crazy but we've put stuff in the safe and almost forgotten them before.

Have you checked all the pockets inside suitcases or luggage bags?

It sounds like game over, OP. So sorry you're going to be that much out of pocket.

@LostCarKeys is it possible you have 'lost key cover' on your car insurance? DH has it with his Lloyds policy, I don't think I have with NFU. Keep all paperwork, just in case.

Definitely have a good look inside the car if they can get it unlocked - you say you don't recall locking it so it's possible the keys are under or between the seats. Glad help is on its way even if it's a bugger of a big bill x

It might have already been said but have you extended your carpark ticket if needed.

Join all the local facebook groups you can - buying and selling, chit chat, you mane it, search facebook with the name of the town or towns and see what comes up.. Post everywhere.

When I bought a new key for my car it was £250 and I had to wait 6 weeks for it, so I think the AA's offer is a pretty good deal. However - have you asked them to recover your car without unlocking it? If they can recover it and you home, you can get your spare key, yes? Or see if a local independent recovery organisation will do it for, well, less than £250.

Timpsons will cut new car keys, but not all of the branches, and not all makes and model of car. I can't remember what you need to do to prove that the car is yours so that they will, if they can - google will tell you. They are around £80 IIRC. Car Key Replacement | Timpson

Don't forget to extend your parking with NCP if you need to so that you don't end up with a fine.

Is there an adult you can leave the children with overnight, and you or somebody else go back to the house to pick up the spare key?

Did you visit anybody in Birmingham? Friends or family?

What a nightmare, OP.

So sorry you’re having such a rubbish day and that you’re going to be so much out of pocket.

Hope the key technician gets this sorted for you.

Rooting for you OP! I know the AA can get into cars; how do you then drive off without a key?

I’m still waiting for the AA @porridgeisbae but they’re supposed to be here any minute (3 mins ago actually).

I know the AA are coming OP, but two thoughts:

1 Ring the local radio station and cast yourself on the listeners' mercy. Has anyone found them/ can anyone help? Stress you're stranded with kids.

2 I once walked up and down a country lane for two hours searching for my keys. It turned out my coat I was wearing had a second secret pocket behind the main ones and I'd put them in there. Check your coat and feel the lining in case they've fallen through.

Good luck.

AA man just called me. He’s en route!

Just on paying for AA - check your car, home and travel insurance as you may be able to claim.

Hope you are sorted out soon

In fact the AA person might be able to advise you on claiming as I am sure you won't be the first 'locked out' person they've dealt with.

I always seem to lose important things in the lining of my handbag. I never realise a hole is even there, until it starts sucking up keys/coins/ID/etc

I lost something similar once. Can’t remember now if it was keys or phone but it was something very important. Anyway a small hole had appeared in the lining of the bag and the item had slipped between the lining and the bag itself. I didn’t notice at the time but found them weeks later once I’d totally emptied the bag. Could similar have happened?

This is outing but MIL lost her car keys and turned out she'd stuffed them in her bra. This was when AA were on their way. Women need more pockets !🙈

What did you put your shopping in?

Did you drop the keys in a plastic bag?

Do you have a fold up shopping bag they're inside?

Was there a chair in the hotel? Cushions - check under. Down the back of cupboard and bedside table - side pocket or the beer beds

Under beds ?