What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

For most cars keys, a new key can be created at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to get into your car. You may lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic won't help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation worse.

Start by trying to remember when you last looked at your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you were running an run. The process of retracing your steps will assist you in finding your lost keys in no time.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could provide you with an idea of where your keys are. After you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, double check each place again. 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

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big problem. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small container that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or Lost Car key near me car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of its model. It's why it's essential to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your car's only key.

Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Follow 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 can end up on the floor where you cannot see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to an establishment.

Also, you should look through your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith for help. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one right on the spot. However, if you have an older key fob with chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Be aware of your hiding spots

If you were in a hurry to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and call or even forgot your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be easily located in the right place. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. 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 on your dresser. Have a friend do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your car so you can stash a spare key in it. These are ideal for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative has access to 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 popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for lost car key near me thieves to spot.

The hood is a final spot to look. This is a great place to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys lost in your car on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call a locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do if you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and offer tips on how to replace lost car key to prevent this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your car to duplicate the correct key.

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

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing the dealer. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you lose your car keys. Try the above steps and, if necessary ask a friend or family to help.