What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos of life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

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

Retract your steps

It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do if you lose your only car key is to stay calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can cause more damage.

Start by trying to remember when you last had your keys. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you got out of your car to go on an errand, or they may have been dropped when you were bringing groceries inside. Following your steps can assist you in finding your keys in no time.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big issue. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, Car keys lost as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle 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.

Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key, take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and consider the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the places where you usually keep them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to go to a store, or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

If you still can't find your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Check Your Hiding Spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and call, or simply lost your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're working. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places you've previously hidden keys. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are ideal for hiding keys because they won't fall off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a friend they aren't able to access it without your permission.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have an enclosed compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.

The hood is a final spot to look. If you have keys that open the gas cap it could be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be so obvious. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

Car keys lost can be a real pain however, there are ways to reduce the impact on your day to day life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most common hiding spots, and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.

Contact a Locksmith

If you've lost keys to my car your car key You should contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. However, they will require the exact make, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.

If your car is a newer model, or if it has an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. It can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that locksmiths can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This helps to ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and will also protect you in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By notifying your keys, Car keys lost you also notify police of anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to not be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed, enlist a friend or family to help.