What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are Lost Car Keys Cost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, and so on. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the tiniest things, like keys.

For most cars keys, a new key can be created at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost 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 money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you've lost your car keys is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Try to remember the last time you saw them. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or put them in your pocket while you were running an outing. Following your steps can assist you in finding your keys in no time at all.

If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you an idea of where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing, a car key was not a big deal. In the past people kept spare keys in a small box connected to their car. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost key to my car. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It is important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other things, and often 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 places where you usually place them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go to a store or perhaps you walked into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.

You should also examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so make sure to empty them and scrutinize every crevice.

Get help from a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with chips and is an older 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. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good news is that most people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. Included in this are obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. These are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off by accident when you drive over a bump and Lost car Keys cost they also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without you.

Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it harder for thieves to see.

The hood is the final place to check. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it as it won't be as visible. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.

Lost car keys can be a huge hassle but there are ways to reduce their impact on your day to day life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.

Call for a locksmith

If you lose the car key, you should call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific make, model and year of your car to duplicate the correct key.

If your car is a newer model, or has a smart key fob you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. It can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.

A thing that many don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as a dealership, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also recommended to notify the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario it could also protect you from prosecution if someone does try to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is to not be in a panic. Try the above steps and, if needed, enlist a friend or family member to help.