What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

A new key for most automobiles can be created at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cheap alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your sole car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to be calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could cause more damage.

Start by trying remembering when you last saw them. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were running an run. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you an idea of where your keys are. After you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, double check each place again. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you may be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big problem. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key (official website) can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your car's only key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key Take an exhale and lost Car key try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last held the keys in your hand. It's normal to juggle keys while you are grabbing something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't be able to see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the places you typically put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or left them on your car's dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to the store.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you will be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle to allow you to keep a spare key inside it. They are great for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a relative has access to the key, they won't be able to open it without your assistance.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is the perfect spot to conceal it because it won't be as visible. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

Lost car keys can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.

Contact a locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to call locksmith. They can help you recover the key quickly and offer tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. But, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

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

Many people don't know that a locksmith can offer the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key lost in car, and some even provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your home to help you get back in your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you lose your car keys. Try the above steps and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to help.