What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last saw your keys. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to run an errand, or they may have been dropped while you were taking groceries inside. You can locate your keys by following your steps.

If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. After you've jotted down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

Not so long ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge deal. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car keys with no spare car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you lose your car's only key.

Take your time before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and consider when you last held the keys in your palm. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to be able to see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the places you typically put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go to a store.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, lost key replacement near me so make sure to empty them and carefully examine every crevice.

Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chips and is it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or simply lost them, it's easy to lose keys. It's good that many people keep an extra key at their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can stick on your car to store your spare keys. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative has access to the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last spot to look. This is a good place to conceal a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a major hassle, but there are ways to lessen the impact on your day to day life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith, you can find your keys and not waste any time or money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing to do if you've lost key Replacement near me the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also provide you with advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy keys correctly.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or uses smart fobs. This can be costly particularly when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealers however at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance to send experts to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. You should also inform the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It will also protect you in the event that you are ever attacked or robbed. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your car. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you should never be in a state of panic. Instead, Lost Key Replacement Near Me follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed.