What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new one can be made at your local hardware store along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key lost and not being able access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the sole key to your car is to stay calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make the situation worse.

Begin by trying to remember when you last seen them. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket when you were running an run. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you clues as to where your keys are. After you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each place again. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big problem. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and the year of manufacture. It is important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Take your time before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your palm. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go into an establishment.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can request a replacement right away. If, however, you own an older key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or simply lost them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that most people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these places too.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are great to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a relative, they can't open it without your permission.

Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks that have a hidden compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that thieves are usually looking 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.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a major hassle but there are ways to minimize their impact on your daily life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places and calling the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you've lost your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, broken it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific make, model and year of your car in order to duplicate keys correctly.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a stolen or i lost the key to my car key, and some provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your home to help you get back into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It's important to report your keys as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution if someone does try to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is that you shouldn't be in a panic. Instead, follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed.