What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the chaos of life - kids, errands work and socializing with friends things get lost. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new key can be made at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to access your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you've lost my only car key your car keys is to remain calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.

Start by trying remembering when you last saw them. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or put them in your pocket when you ran an errand. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in no time.

If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. Once you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, double examine each location. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing, a car key was not a major issue. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and model year. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you lose your sole car key.

Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other things, and often they end in the back of your car where you don't even see them.

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

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. If you have a key with chip and is it is a newer model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Check 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 them when you are working. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key in their workplace or Lost My only car Key at home that they can easily find. If you have an extra key, it is important to check all of the places you've previously stored the keys. This includes obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your car to store a spare key. They are great for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a friend they aren't able to access it without you.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have a hidden compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to use this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is the final spot to look. It's a good spot to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. By taking a few minutes to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places and calling a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.

Call a locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place, the best thing to do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also give you advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate the correct key.

You'll need to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be expensive, especially when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.

A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as a dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. Insurance policies often provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a stolen or lost my Only car key key, and some provide roadside assistance and provide professionals to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing the dealer. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This helps to ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without permission. It will also protect you in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. By reporting your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is to not be in a panic. Instead, follow the steps above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if necessary.