What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind of life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes, it's the small things, like keys.

For most vehicles, a new key can be made at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your only car keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you should do if you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make things worse.

Start by trying to recall the last time you had your keys. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to go on an errand, or they may be missing while carrying groceries into the house. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue you need to find your keys. After you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, examine each location. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a huge issue. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small container that was connected to their vehicle. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost keys for car electric key [http://www.designdarum.Co.kr/bbs/board.php?bo_table=free&wr_id=2068854] car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your sole car key.

Take your time before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and reflect on when you last had the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, especially the areas where you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your car's dashboard when you left your car to go to a store.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.

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 an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chip and is an older model, you'll have to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.

Be aware of your hiding spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and call, or simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. It's good that the majority of people have an extra key at their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can place on your car to store keys that you don't need. They are ideal for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over a bump and also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a relative, they can't open it without you.

Another trick to hide keys is to buy a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is a final place to check. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas and the hood, this is the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be so obvious. Make sure you use a strong piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to retract your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Call an expert locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the lost key quickly, and provide you with suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication business. However, they will need the exact brand, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

If your car is a newer model, lost electric key or if it utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car, and it can take a few days or even weeks.

A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and lost electric key towing in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's important to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that no one else can have access to your car without your permission, and also keeps you safe in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the worst-case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your car. It is crucial not to panic if you lose the keys to your car. Follow the steps above and, if needed, enlist a friend or family to help.