What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the big things. Sometimes, it's the little things, like keys.

A new key for most automobiles can be created at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive alternative.

Retract your steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you must do if you lose your only car key is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can cause more damage.

Try to remember when you last seen them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to go on an run, or they could have been dropped while bringing groceries inside. You can find your keys by following your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. After you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you may be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big deal. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your sole car key.

Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay 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 the keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you usually put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you left your car to go to a store.

You should also check your pockets, lost key purses and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure to empty them and scrutinize every crevice.

Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. If, however, you own a modernized key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could stick on your car to store a spare key. These are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off by accident when you drive over a bump and they also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without you.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that burglars are often 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.

The hood is a final location to check. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas it could be a great spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Make sure you use a strong piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

Car keys i lost my only car key can be a major hassle but there are ways to lessen their impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places, and calling the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to call locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and offer suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication company. But, they'll need the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses smart fobs. This can be costly, especially when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.

A thing that many don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to help you get into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose the keys to your car. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family to help.