What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work - things get lost. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the little things, like keys.

For most cars, a new key can be made at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost of replacing lost car keys option.

Retract Your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you must do if you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.

Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket when you were out running an run. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your keys in a matter of minutes.

If retracing your steps does not work, try noting down all the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. After you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, double examine each location. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big problem. Most people had a spare connected to their car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get i lost the keys to my car. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and model year. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose your original.

Before you start worrying about losing your only car key Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the places you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to an establishment.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

Contact a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can typically make you a new one right on the spot. However, if you've got an older key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. It's a good thing most people keep an extra key at their office or home that they can easily find. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over these places too.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can stick on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning even if someone receives the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another method to keep keys hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the gas cap it could be a great spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a real pain but there are ways to lessen the impact on your day to day life. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your only car key is contact locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also provide you with tips on how to prevent this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication company. But, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.

If your car is an older model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly in particular when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.

A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance to send experts to your home to help you get back into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. You should also notify the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to take your car. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose the keys to your car. Instead, follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a friend or family member if necessary.