What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

For most vehicles, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.

Retract your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You may lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys quicker, and it could cause more damage.

Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you got out of your car to do an run, or they could have been dropped when you were bringing groceries inside. Following your steps can aid in finding your keys in no time.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and could give you clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places your keys could be, make sure you check each place again. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

A few years ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a big issue. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small container that was that was attached to their car. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup plan in case you lose your only car key.

Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key, take a deep breath and keys lost try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where you can't see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search your car, especially the places where you usually place them. You might have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go to a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys lost (ongolzin.woobi.co.kr published a blog post), you need to contact an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and a more recent model, you will have to contact the dealer to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave, distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key in their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over the same places as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store a spare key. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend has access to the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your assistance.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can use dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.

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 an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do if you lose the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the lost key quickly, and give you advice on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate company. But, they'll require the exact brand, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.

If your car is a more recent model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive in particular when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.

A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships however at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost key fob or keys lost stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to assist you get back in your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By reporting your keys, you also notify police of anyone who may try to access your car 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 your car keys. Instead, you should follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if necessary.