What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

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

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get in your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you must do when you lose your only car key is to stay calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Start by trying to remember when you last looked at your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an errand, or they may be missing while you were taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, you can try noting down all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could give you an idea of where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you examine each location. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a huge issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. It is essential to have a spare car key in case you lose the original.

Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key Take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your car's dashboard when you exited your car to go to an establishment.

You should also check your pockets, purses, and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.

Call a locksmith for assistance if you can't find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can request a replacement right away. However, if you have a more modern key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, it is essential to examine all places where you have previously hidden them. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can stick on your car to store a spare key. They are great for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without your permission.

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

One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Make sure you 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.

Lost Car Keys What To Do car keys can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to minimize their impact on your daily life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.

Contact an expert locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and give you advice on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate company. However, they'll require the exact type, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.

You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. It can be costly, especially if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a stolen or lost keys of car key, and some provide roadside assistance and provide professionals to your home to help you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. You should also report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By reporting your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is to not be in a panic. Instead, follow the steps above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member, if needed.