What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost keys to car no spare in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able access your vehicle. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. But the first thing you need to do when you lose the only car key you have is to stay calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last looked at your keys. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket when you got out of the car to do an run, or they could have been lost when you were carrying groceries into the house. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your keys in no time at all.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. After you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, double examine each location. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing, a car key was not a big deal. In the past, a majority of people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and cost of replacing lost car keys you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of its model. It's important to always have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose your original.

Take your time before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and consider the last time you held keys in your hand. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the floor, where you can't be able to see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search your car, especially the places you normally keep them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to run to a store or maybe you reached into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

Also, you should examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or big bags.

Get help from a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one on the spot. However, if you've got an older key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone or lost them, it's easy to lose keys. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously kept keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over the same places as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can place on your car to store a spare key. These are great for hiding keys as they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over a bump and they also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if the key to a person they aren't able to access it without you.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap on your gas tank, this can be a great spot to hide it as it won't be as visible. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.

Car keys lost can be a real pain, but there are ways to reduce the impact on your daily life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.

Call for a locksmith

Unless you have spare keys the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your only car key is call locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. But, they'll need the exact type, make, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

You'll have visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has an electronic fob. This can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service at less than a dealership. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, keys lost and some provide roadside assistance and send experts 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 an agent. It's important to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This ensures that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It also keeps you safe in the event of being robbed or assaulted. By notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your only car key is that you should never be in a panic. Instead, follow the steps above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.