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 alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to get into your car. You can lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to be calm. Stressing yourself out won't help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last saw your keys. You might have lost them when you brought your groceries in or put them in your pocket when you were running an run. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Double check every place you wrote down. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a major issue. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and year of the model. It's important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose the original.

Take an exhale before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing something other, and they could end up on the floor where you cannot be able to see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally put them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a store or maybe you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.

It is also important to check your pockets, purses, and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure to empty them and scrutinize every crevice.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you a new one on the spot. However, if you have a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be located in the right place. If you have a spare key, it is important to examine all places you've previously hidden the keys. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your car to store a spare key. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a friend they aren't able to access it without your permission.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have an enclosed compartment. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to find.

The hood is a final spot to look. If you have keys that open the cap for gas it could be the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be as obvious. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.

There are ways to reduce the impact of lost my car keys car keys on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any money or time.

Call a Locksmith

If you lose the car key and i lost my only car key you've i lost my Only car key it, you must contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. However, they will require the exact model, brand, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.

You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. This can be expensive particularly if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

A thing that many don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealerships however at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's essential 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 case of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your car. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you should never be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary get a family member or friend family member to assist.