What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things, like keys.

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

Retract your steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could cause more damage.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last saw your keys. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an run, or lost my Only car key they could have been dropped while you were taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

A few years ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big problem. In the past, a majority of people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their car. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and model year. It's why it's essential to have a backup in the event that you lose your only car key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key Take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys lost for car in your hands. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you usually put them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go into a store or maybe you walked into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out.

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 you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

Get help from a locksmith if you can't find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one on the spot. However, if you've got a modernized key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Check Your Hiding Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone or lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing the majority of people have an extra key at their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places where you have previously kept keys. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check these places too.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can stick on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. They are ideal for hiding keys as they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over a bump and also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage devices have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a friend, they can't open it without you.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a strong tape to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a locksmith

If you've lost your car key You should contact a locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and provide you with advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate company. However, they will need the exact type, make, and year of your car to duplicate a key.

If your car is a more recent model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. It can be costly, especially if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost my only Car key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission. It also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is that you should never panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed ask a friend or family member to help.