What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands work and socializing with friends - things get lost. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the tiniest things such as keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.

Retract Your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. You may lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only car key you have is to stay calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Start by trying remembering the last time you observed them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to run an run, or they could be missing when you were carrying groceries into the house. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor lost key or underneath something and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big deal. In the past people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their car. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost keys to my car. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and year of the model. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose the original.

Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hands. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you usually place them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go to a store or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.

Also, you should examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.

Contact a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

If you were in a rush to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and call or you simply forgot your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're busy. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the correct spot. If you have an extra key, it is essential to examine all places where you have previously stored them. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. These are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over a bump and also shield your key lost car from the elements. Many of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a person, they can't open it without you.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the cap for gas, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

Lost car keys can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day to day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and not waste any time or money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you've lost your car keys You should contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the lost key quickly, and offer tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication company. But, they'll require the exact make, model, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

If your car is a newer model, or lost key if it utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly and especially if you need to order the correct key for your car and can take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealers but at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on watch for anyone who may try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you shouldn't panic. Instead, follow the steps above and seek the assistance of a family member, if needed.