What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the smallest 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 low-cost option.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get in your vehicle. You may lose time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.

Begin by trying to remember when you last saw them. 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. You can find your keys by following your steps.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past the idea of losing or local misplacing a car key was not a big issue. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a lost car keys cost to replace or stolen car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and model year. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.

Before you start worrying about losing your sole car key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you grab something else, and they can end up on the car floor where you cannot be able to see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically put them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run into a store or maybe you reached into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

It is also important to look through your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can request a replacement right away. If, however, you own a modernized key fob with chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

If you were in a rush to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are busy. It's good that the majority of people have a spare key in their workplace or at home which they can quickly locate. If you have a spare key, you need to examine all places you've previously kept the keys. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through these places too.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could place on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are ideal for hiding keys as they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a person, they can't open it without your permission.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but you must be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last place to check. This is a great place to hide keys to the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also save you time and money.

Contact an expert locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car key lost keys nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these types of establishments typically require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key.

If your car is an older model, or utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive, especially if they need to order the correct key for your car, and it can take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealers however at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. You should also notify the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without your permission, and will also protect you in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you also notify police of anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could even protect you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to take your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is to not panic. Try the above steps and, if needed get a family member or local friend family member to help.