What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things like keys.

A new key for all cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get in your vehicle. You may lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and could even make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last saw your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were out running an outing. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in a matter of minutes.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you've visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue to locate your keys. Once you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a huge issue. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost keys to car car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. It's important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose the original.

Take your time before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to be able to see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the places where you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go into the store.

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

Get help from a locksmith if you can't find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key with a chip and a more recent model, you'll have to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, it is important to check all of the places you've previously hidden keys. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend receives the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.

The hood is a final place to check. If you have a key that opens the gas cap it could be a great spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.

Lost car keys can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to reduce the impact on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. A local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you lose your car key and you've lost it, you must contact locksmith. They can help you recover the key quickly and give you suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication company. But, they'll need the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

If your car is a newer model, or uses an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly, especially if the dealer has to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

Many people don't know that locksmiths can provide the same service for less than a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are protected in the case of a robbery or vehicle assault. Notifying your keys will enable police officers to be on watch for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is that you should never panic. Instead, follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.