What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the little things like keys.

For most cars keys, a new one can be purchased at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.

Retract your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you must do if you lose your only car key is to be calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys quicker and could cause more damage.

Start by trying to recall when you last looked at your keys. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket when you were out running an outing. You can locate your keys by following your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge deal. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely to get lost car key what to do. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It is essential to have a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can end up on the car floor, i lost my only car key where you can't see them.

The next step is thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go to a store.

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, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an immediate replacement. If, however, you own a more modern key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be easily found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to look over all the places you've previously kept the keys. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great for hiding keys lost because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over a bump and I Lost My Only Car Key also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a person they aren't able to access it without your permission.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to see.

The hood is one last location to check. This is a great place to conceal keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.

There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in 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 wasting any unnecessary time or money.

Call for a locksmith

If you lose the car key and you've lost it, you must contact locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also give you tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the exact 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 need to go to your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your car and can take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as a dealership but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a i lost my only car key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you in getting into your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else can have access to your car without permission, and it will also protect you in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By reporting your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to access 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. It is crucial not to be frightened if you lose the keys to your car. Instead, try the above steps and ask for the help of a friend or family member, if needed.