What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends - things get i Lost my only car key. Sometimes it's the little things, 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 an inexpensive alternative.

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able get into your car. 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 vehicle is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may cause more damage.

Start by trying remembering the last time you saw them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to go on an appointment, or they might have been dropped while bringing groceries inside. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your lost keys in a matter of minutes.

If you are unable to trace your steps, lost key and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a big deal. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and model year. It is essential to have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

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

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you usually put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go into the store.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys, you need to call a locksmith for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. However, if you have a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing the majority of people have a spare key in their home or workplace that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, you need to check all of the places where you have previously kept the keys. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can put on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. They are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over a bump, and they will also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without your permission.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks with a compartment that is hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.

The hood is one last place to check. This is a good place to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

Car keys lost electric key can be a huge hassle but there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your daily life. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call for a locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also offer tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these types of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your car to duplicate a key correctly.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it uses a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car, and it 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 a dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing costs in the event of a lost car keys no spare or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to help you get into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By reporting your keys, you also notify police of anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family to help.