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. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

A new key for all automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able get in your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do if you lose your only car key is to be calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.

Start by trying remembering the last time you seen them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to run an run, or they could have been dropped while you were carrying groceries into the house. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a huge issue. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small container that was attached to their car. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in the event that you lose your only car key.

Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys as you grab other things, and often they end on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you typically place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your car Key lost no spare's dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go to a store.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.

Contact a locksmith if you can't find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. However, car Key lost no spare if you have a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.

Check Your Hiding Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's good that most people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these places too.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are ideal for hiding keys as they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over bumps, and they will also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning even if someone gets the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your help.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can use dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.

The hood is a final location to check. This is a good place to hide keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a strong tape to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys i lost my only car key in your car on your daily life. You can find your keys by retracing Your steps and examining the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these types of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your car in order to copy keys correctly.

You'll need to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has an electronic fob. This can be costly in particular when the dealer needs to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.

One thing that many people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as a dealership but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost car key replacement or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance to provide professionals to your location to assist you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also recommended to notify the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you also notify police of anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if necessary.