What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are replace lost Key for car in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

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

Retract your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. You can lose money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do if you lose the only car key you have is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys faster and can cause more damage.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last looked at your keys. You might have lost car keys near me them when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket when you were running an outing. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you an idea of where your keys are. After you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, check each place again. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.

Take a look inside Your Car

Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small box that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and model year. That's why it's important to have a backup key in the event that you lose your only car key.

Take your time before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and reflect on when you last had the keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other things, and often they end up on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you usually put them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go into a store or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

You should also examine your purses, pockets and replace lost key for car bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.

Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. If, however, you own an older key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Check Your Hiding Spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and chat on the phone or even lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. These are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off by accident when you drive over a bump and they also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if the key to a person they won't be able to open it without your permission.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have an enclosed 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 more difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is one last location to check. This is a great place to hide a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

There are ways to reduce the impact of lost car keys on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most frequent hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can help you avoid wasting time and money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy the correct key.

You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses a smart fob. This 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 don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as a dealership but at only a fraction of the cost. Insurance policies often provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to your home to help you get back in your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also important to report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This ensures that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever attacked or robbed. Notifying your keys will let police officers be on watch for anyone who may try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you have lost your car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.