What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.

A new key for most automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you've lost my car keys your only car key is to stay calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last had your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were running an outing. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your lost keys in no time at all.

If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing all the places you visited during the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. After you've jotted down all the possible places where your keys might be, double make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys connected to their car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.

Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key Take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where you can't see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you normally place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or put them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go to an establishment.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one on the spot. However, if you've got an older key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

If you were in a rush to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone, or simply forgot your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. It's a good thing that most people keep an extra key at their office or home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously hidden keys. This includes obvious places like bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these places too.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could place on your car to store your spare keys. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative receives the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your help.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but it is important to be aware that thieves are usually looking for car keys lost these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can use dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to find.

Another place to look is the hood of your car. This is a good place to hide a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.

Car keys lost can be a real pain, but there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day to day life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. A local locksmith can also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact for a locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you've lost your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and give you tips on how to prevent this happening again in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication business. However, they will require the exact model, type, make, and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses smart fobs. It can be costly particularly if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.

One thing that many people don't 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 key how to replace key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This ensures that no one else can have access to your car without permission. It will also protect you in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By notifying your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution if someone does try to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is that you shouldn't be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed ask a friend or family member to assist.