What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are i lost my car keys in the chaos that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your only car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you must do if you lose your only car key is to remain calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make things worse.

Start by trying remembering when you last seen them. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket when you got out of your car to do an appointment, or they might have been dropped when you were bringing groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and I lost my car keys could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each spot. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you might just be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big problem. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the car's type and model year. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the floor, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your car, especially the places where you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your car's dashboard when you exited your vehicle to go to the store.

You should also look through your purses, pockets and I Lost My Car Keys bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.

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

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

If you were in a rush to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone, or simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. It's a good thing that most people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously kept them. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer on 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 that you could place on your car to store a spare key. They are ideal for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over a bump, and they will also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend gets the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your assistance.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you do decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.

Another place to look is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and contacting an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Call an expert locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also provide you with tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication business. But, they'll need the exact brand, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.

You'll need visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with an electronic fob. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send experts to help you get into your car.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to take your car. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is that you shouldn't be in a panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member if needed.