What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things like keys.

A new key for all automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get in your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you lose your only car key is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation worse.

Try to remember when you last saw them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to do an run, or they could have been lost when you were bringing groceries inside. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working Try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you remember where you were and could provide you with an idea of where your keys are. Double check every place you wrote down. It is possible 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

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a small box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose the original.

Before you start worrying about losing your sole car key, take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hand. 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 they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you normally place them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store or perhaps you reached into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.

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

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to call a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If, however, you own a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or you simply forgot your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're busy. It's good that many people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, it is essential to look over all the places where you have previously hidden the keys. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and nearby mini vaults that you could put on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off by accident when you drive over a bump and also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend gets the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is one last spot to look. This is a great place to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

Car keys replace lost car key can be a real pain however, there are ways to lessen their impact on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also save you time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of establishments usually require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key.

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

Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to help you get back in your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This ensures that no one else will have access to your car without permission. It also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on the lookout for anyone who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is to not panic. Try the above steps and, if needed, nearby enlist a friend or family member to assist.