What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work Things get replace lost keys. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

A new key for most cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get into your car. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you've lost your car keys is to be calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make the situation worse.

Try to remember the last time you seen them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to run an appointment, or they might have been dropped while you were bringing groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing every place you went to during the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you an idea of where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or 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 loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big issue. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small box connected to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and year of manufacture. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in case you lose your original.

Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key Take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to be able to see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places where you usually keep them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go into a store or maybe you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them and scrutinize every crevice.

Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. However, if you have a modernized key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and call or you simply forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, you need to check all of the places where you have previously stored them. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps, and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without your permission.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last place to check. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

lost My only Car key car keys can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots, and calling an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and not waste any time or money.

Call a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys the best thing you can do if you've lost the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate business. However, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. It can be costly in particular when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

One thing that many people do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as dealerships, but at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost car keys or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to help you get into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting an agent. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on the lookout for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from charges of criminality if someone does try to steal your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if needed get a family member or friend family member to help.