What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

A new key for the majority of automobiles can be created at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive option.

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You may lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your car is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make things worse.

Start by trying to recall when you last looked at your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to go on an run, or they could be missing while you were carrying groceries into the house. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a big deal. In the past people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their car. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you lose your car's only key.

Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you'i ve lost my car keys got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the floor, where you can't see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally 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 the store.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or big bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chips and is an older model, you will be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out the door or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone or you simply lost your keys It's easy to forget them when you are busy. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over the same places as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can stick on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend receives the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you decide to employ this method, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the gas cap and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.

Call for a locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your car keys is to call locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option but remember that these types of businesses typically require the specific make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key.

If your car is an older model, or utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly in particular when the dealer must order a new key for fob your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can offer the same service for less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. You should also report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission. It will also protect you in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on looking for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Instead, you should follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a family member if necessary.