What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and not be able to get into your car. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. But the first thing you must do if you lose your only car key is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you looked at your keys. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket as you were running an run. You can find your keys by following your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue to locate your keys. After you've written down all the possible spots your keys could be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a big deal. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small container that was connected to their vehicle. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and could cost of replacing lost car keys (homepage) you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and year of the model. It is essential to keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Take your time before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down, you can work through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your palm. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your car, particularly the areas where you typically place them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to go into a shop, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.

Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an immediate replacement. However, if you've got a modernized key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's good that most people keep a spare key in their home or workplace that they can easily find. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means even if someone receives the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your assistance.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final place to check. This is a great place to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.

Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you've lost your only car key is call a 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, it's an alternative however, remember that these types of establishments often need to have the exact make, model and year of your car in order to duplicate a key correctly.

You'll need visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. This can be costly particularly if they have to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or cost of Replacing Lost car keys even weeks.

Many people are unaware that locksmiths can provide the same service at less than a dealership. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and cost of replacing lost car Keys send professionals to your location to assist you get back into your car.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It's essential to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This ensures that no one else can have access to your car without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in the event of being attacked or robbed. By notifying your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member, if needed.