What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

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

Retract your steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you should do when you've lost the only car key you have is to stay calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.

Start by trying remembering the last time you observed them. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to do an run, or they could have been lost while taking groceries inside. Following your steps can assist you in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you recorded. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a major issue. In the past people kept spare keys in a small box that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key lost no spare key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in the event that you lose your original.

Take your time before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and How To Replace Lost Car Key try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where you don't even see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the places you normally place them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a shop or maybe you reached into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.

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

Get help from a locksmith if you can't find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob that has chips and is an older model, you will be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave, distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. The good news is that most people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be located in the correct spot. If you have an extra key, it is important to check all of the places where you have previously hidden keys. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them how to replace lost Car key look over the same places as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could stick on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are great to hide keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative gets the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.

A fake rock with an inside 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 will often look for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. This is a good place to hide keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a strong tape to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint on your car when you take it off. it.

Car keys lost can be a major hassle, but there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call a locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to contact locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. However, they will require the exact model, brand, model, and year of your car to duplicate a key.

If your car is a newer model, or has a smart key fob you'll have to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly in particular if the dealer has to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance and provide professionals to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing the dealer. You should also notify the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on looking for anyone trying to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your only car key is to not panic. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member if needed.