What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the little things such as keys.

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

Retract your steps

It is frustrating to lose your car's only keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you should do when you've lost your only car key is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make things worse.

Try to remember when you last saw them. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or put them in your pocket as you were running an errand. Following your steps can help you find your keys in no time at all.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you have been 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 jotted down all the possible places your keys could be, double check each place again. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you may be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or losing, a car key was not a huge issue. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or Lost Keys car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending 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.

Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the floor where you cannot see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, lost keys especially the areas where you typically put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go to a store.

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

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. However, if you have a modernized key fob that has chips, lost keys you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key at their office or home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, it is important to examine all places you've previously kept them. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer on your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. These are ideal to hide keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning even if someone has access to the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your assistance.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to find.

Another place to look is the hood of your car. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap on your gas tank, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Just be sure to make use of replace a lost car key sturdy piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

Lost car keys can be a major hassle, but there are ways to lessen the impact on your day to day life. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you've lost car keys replacement near me the only car key you have is to call locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and give you tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your car in order to duplicate keys correctly.

You'll have visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. It can be expensive, especially if they need to order the correct key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as dealers however at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send experts to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It is also recommended to notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else can have access to your car without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in the event of being robbed or assaulted. By notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to take your car. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you shouldn't be in a panic. Instead, try the steps above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed.