What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes it's just the small things like keys.

For most vehicles, a new key can be made at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or local title). This is an inexpensive option.

Retract your steps

It's a pain to lose your car's only keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things 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 hopped out of your car to do an errand, or they may have been dropped while you were bringing groceries inside. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your keys in no time.

If retracing steps doesn't work 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 examine each location. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

A few years ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big issue. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and the year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in case you lose your sole car key.

Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places where you usually put them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go into a shop, or perhaps you reached into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

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

Contact a locksmith when you're unable to locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chip and is it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. These are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if you hand the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without you.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but you should be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

Another place to look is the hood of your car. This is a great place to conceal keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your car when you take it off. it.

There are methods to lessen the impact of replace lost car keys car keys on your daily routine. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most common hiding places. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact for a locksmith

If you've lost your car key and you've lost spare car key it, you must contact locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and provide you with advice on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. However, they will require the exact make, model and year of your car to duplicate keys.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly in particular if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

Many people are unaware that locksmiths can provide the same service at less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting an agent. It is also important to notify the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on the lookout for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your only car key is that you should never be in a panic. Try the above steps and, if needed, enlist a friend or family member to help.