What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work things are i lost the key to my car. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

For most cars keys, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap option.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get into your car. You may be a victim of time, money and replacing peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could cause more damage.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an appointment, or they might be missing while you were carrying groceries into the house. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, you can try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you may be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge issue. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small container that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. That's why it's important to have a backup key in case you lose your sole car key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the areas where you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to an establishment.

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

Contact a locksmith when you're unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. However, if you have an older key fob that has chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone, or simply lost your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're working. The good news is that most people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be located in the correct spot. If you have a spare key, you need to check all of the places where you have previously kept them. This includes obvious places like bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are ideal for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a person, they can't open it without your permission.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is one last spot to look. If you have a key that opens the gas cap and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Just be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your daily routine. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any money or time.

Contact for a locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is call locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. If you know someone with a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key.

If your car is a newer model, or uses a smart key fob you'll have to visit your dealer for a new replacement. It can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take days or even weeks.

A thing that many don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as a dealership but at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost keys or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you in getting into your car.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle 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 alert police officers to anyone who is trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you have lost your car keys. Instead, follow the steps above and ask for the help of a family member if necessary.