What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost keys for my car in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

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

Start by trying to recall when you last saw your keys. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket while you were running an run. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost a car key keys in a matter of minutes.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Once you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, check each place again. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, key based on the type of car and the year of its model. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in the event that you lose your sole car key.

Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps and reflect on when you last held the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where you typically place them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to run into a store or perhaps you went to your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.

It is also important to check your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create an entirely new key on the spot. If, however, you own a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone or even forgot your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're working. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. If you have an extra key, it is essential to examine all places you've previously hidden keys. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. These are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over bumps, and they will also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if the key to a person they aren't able to access it without your permission.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the gas cap, this can be a great spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.

Lost car keys can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to minimize the impact on your daily life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places and contacting the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid losing any time or money.

Call an expert locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific model, make and year of your car to duplicate a key correctly.

If your car is an older model, or has a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be expensive, especially if they need to order the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take a few days or even weeks.

A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as a dealership however at a fraction of the cost. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost my spare car key or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to help you get back in your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting an agent. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This helps to ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, key and it will also protect you in the event of being attacked or robbed. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on looking for anyone who might try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from criminal charges should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your only car key is to not be in a state of panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family to help.