What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the chaos of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends things get lost. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

A new key for all cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cheap option.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.

Start by trying remembering the last time you saw them. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to run an run, or they could be missing while carrying groceries into the house. Following your steps can aid in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible spots your keys could be, examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge deal. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost car key or stolen car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and key lost car year of manufacture. It is important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Before you start worrying about losing your car's only Key Lost Car Take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they can end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you usually put them. You might have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a store or maybe you walked into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.

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

Call a locksmith for assistance if you can't find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If you have a key fob that has a chip and a more recent model, you'll need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing the majority of people have an extra key at their home or workplace that they can easily locate. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could place on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are great for hiding keys as they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over bumps and they also protect your key from the elements. Many 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 you.

Another trick to hide keys is to buy a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. 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 do opt to go this route, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.

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 as it won't be as visible. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your daily life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places and contacting an expert locksmith in your area to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a locksmith

Unless you have spare keys the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also offer suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate business. However, they'll require the exact brand, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.

If your car is an older model, or utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive in particular if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost my keys or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery or assault. The act of reporting your keys will allow police officers to be on watch for anyone who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from criminal charges if someone does try to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you should never panic. Instead, try the above steps and ask for the help of a family member if needed.