What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost key in car in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things such as keys.

A new key for all cars can be made in your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract your steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to go on an errand, or they may be missing while carrying groceries into the house. Following your steps can assist you in finding your i lost the keys to my car keys in a matter of minutes.

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 you need to find your keys. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left.

Take a look inside Your Car

Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big issue. The majority of people had spare keys connected to their car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.

Take your time before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't be able to see them.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where you typically place them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to run into a shop, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and keys lost bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys, you need to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If you have a key with chips and is it is a newer model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key at their home or workplace that they can easily find. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if the key to a friend, they can't open it without you.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last location to check. This is a great place to hide keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a real pain but there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your day to day life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. A local locksmith will also save you time and money.

Call a locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you've lost your car keys is to 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. If you know someone who has a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's a different option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses often need to have the specific model, make and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly.

If your car is a more recent model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive particularly when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

One thing that many people don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send experts to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on looking for anyone trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is that you should never panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.