What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work - things are lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap alternative.

Retract your steps

It's a pain to lose your only car keys and not be able 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 car is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.

Start by trying to remember when you last had your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to do an errand, or they may have been Lost Car Keys With No Spare while you were bringing groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you recorded. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big problem. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become 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 based on the vehicle type and model year. It is important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your palm. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to an establishment.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.

Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key with chip and is a more recent model, you will have to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave, distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. The good news is that most people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places where you have previously stored the keys. This includes obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could place on your vehicle to store a spare key. They are great for hiding keys as they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also have combination locks, so even if someone has access to the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your help.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have a hidden compartment. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to find.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to hide a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a heavy-duty tape to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your car key lost no spare when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places, and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid losing any money or time.

Contact an expert locksmith

Unless you have spare keys the best thing to do if you've lost the only car key you have is to call locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able to guide you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. But, they'll require the exact model, brand, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.

You'll have visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that many people don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will 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's essential to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. 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 watch for anyone who might try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from criminal charges should someone attempt to take your car. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is to not be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to help.