What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work - things get lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff such as keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.

Try to remember the last time you seen them. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or put them in your pocket when you were out running an run. Following your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in a matter of minutes.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Check every spot you recorded. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.

Check Inside Your Car

Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It is important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Before you start worrying about losing your sole car key Take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hand. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the car floor, where you can't be able to see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you normally place them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go to a store or perhaps you walked into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you a new one on the spot. If, however, you own an older key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and call or you simply lost your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're working. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can easily be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, it is essential to look over all the places where you have previously hidden keys. This includes obvious places like bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and replacing mini-vaults made to be affixed to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without you.

Another popular trick for hiding keys lost is to buy a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do decide to employ this method, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. This is a great place to conceal keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

Car keys lost car keys replacement cost uk can be a major hassle but there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.

Call for a locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere 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 also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these types of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your car in order to duplicate the correct key.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it has a smart key fob you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. 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 many people do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealers but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It's essential to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you lose the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if necessary get a family member or friend family member to help.