What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work things get lost keys for car. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.

A new key for the majority of automobiles can be created at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a cheap option.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get into your car. You could lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do if you lose the only car key you have is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys faster, and replace lost car Key Cost it can cause more damage.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you had your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were out running an run. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. After you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, double examine each location. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and model year. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose your original.

Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key Take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other things, and often they end up on the floor of your car, where you don't even see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your car's dashboard when you exited your car to go to the store.

Also, you should examine your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith can typically make you a new one right on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you will need to contact the dealership to get a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and call or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. The good news is that most people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, it is important to look over all the places where you have previously kept them. These include obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could place on your vehicle to store a spare key. These are ideal for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without your permission.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

The hood is the final place to check. This is a good place to hide keys for 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 remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most common hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to locate your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Call a locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to replace a lost car key to prevent this from happening in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication business. But, they'll require the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

If your car is an older model, or has an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly in particular when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.

One thing that many people do not realize is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealerships, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing costs in the event of a replace lost car key cost or stolen key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your home to help you get back into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This ensures that nobody else will have access to your car without permission, and it also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever attacked or robbed. By notifying your keys, you also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above and seek the assistance of a family member if needed.