What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.

A new key for the majority of cars can be made in your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective 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. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make things worse.

Start by trying to recall when you last had your keys. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket as you were running an outing. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could give you an idea of where your keys are. After you've jotted down all the possible places your keys could be, double check each place again. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing, a car key was not a huge issue. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to be cheap lost car key replacement. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in case you lose your original.

Take an exhale 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 try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the floor, where you can't see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you usually put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go to the store.

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 you empty them and carefully examine every crevice.

Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an immediate replacement. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Be aware of your hiding spots

Whether you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich or call, or simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places you've previously kept keys. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend gets the key, they won't be able to open it without your help.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, but you should be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is the final place to check. This is a great place to conceal a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

Car keys lost can be a real pain however, there are ways to minimize their impact on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you lose the car key, you should call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also offer suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate keys correctly.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it has an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly and especially if you need to order the correct key for cheap lost car key replacement your car and it could take days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can offer the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to help you get into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It is also recommended to inform the police immediately if you can. This helps to ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without permission, and it also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. By notifying your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is to not be in a panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member if necessary.