What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work Things are lost. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.

For most cars keys, a new one can be made at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive alternative.

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able get in your vehicle. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when 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. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you ran an errand. Following your steps can assist you in finding your lost key to car keys in no time at all.

If retracing steps isn't working, try writing all the places you visited throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Once you've written down all the possible spots your keys could be, double check each place again. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

Not so long ago the loss or misplacement of a car key lost car wasn't a huge issue. In the past people kept spare keys in a small box connected to their car. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the car's type and the year of manufacture. It's important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

Before you begin to panic 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 locate it. First, retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.

The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the places you normally keep them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run into a shop, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key with chips and is it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, Car keys lost it is easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key at their home or workplace that they can easily find. If you have an extra key, it is important to examine all places you've previously kept them. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. These are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a person they won't be able to open it without your permission.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to keep keys hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the cap for gas it could be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be so obvious. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to lessen their impact on your daily life. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact for a locksmith

If you lose the car key and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. But, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.

If your car is an older model, or if it uses a smart key fob you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your vehicle 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 costs and towing in case of a lost or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your car.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are 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 may try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you have lost your only car keys. Instead, try the above steps and seek the assistance of a family member if needed.