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, and so on. It's not always the major things. Sometimes, it's the small things, like keys.

A new key for most automobiles can be created at your local hardware store if 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. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you need to do when you lose the only car key you have is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys faster, and could even make things worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last had your keys. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to do an run, or they could be missing while bringing groceries inside. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in no time at all.

If retracing your steps does not work, you can try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a huge issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small container that was connected to their Car key lost what to do. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key lost may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. It's important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can end up on the floor where you cannot see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search your car, especially the areas where you typically put them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go into a shop or perhaps you went to your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You may 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 metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

If you were in a rush to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone or you simply lost your keys It's easy to forget them when you are busy. It's a good thing most people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through these places too.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can place on your vehicle to store a spare key. They are ideal to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend gets the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.

Another trick to hide keys is to buy a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you do decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to hide a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you take it off. it.

Car keys lost can be a huge hassle but there are ways to reduce the impact on your day to day life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact a locksmith

If you lose your car keys, you should call a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and give you tips on how to replace a lost car key to prevent this happening again in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. However, they'll require the exact brand, car key lost What to do model, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

You'll need to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost or Car Key Lost What To Do stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your location to help you get back in your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. You should also notify the police immediately if you can. This ensures that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and will also protect you in the event of being robbed or assaulted. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on the lookout for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, try the steps listed above and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.