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. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.

For most cars keys, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and not be able to get into your car. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you need to do when you've lost your only car key is to stay calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could cause more damage.

Start by trying remembering when you last seen them. You might have I Lost My Only Car Key them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were out running an errand. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and i lost My only car key you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left.

Take a look inside Your Car

A few years ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big deal. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your car's only key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you normally put them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run into a store or maybe you walked into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

Also, you should check your pockets, purses, and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to call a locksmith for assistance. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. If, however, you own an older key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key at their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you, ask them to check these places too.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. These are great for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over a bump and they also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices have combination locks, so that even if the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without your permission.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a great solution for outdoor spaces, but 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 detect.

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

There are ways to reduce the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.

Contact for a locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your only car key is contact locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and offer suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. However, they'll require the exact type, make, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

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

One thing that many people do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as dealers but at less cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost my car keys key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you with getting into your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It is also important 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 event of a robbery, or assault. By declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your only car key is that you shouldn't panic. Instead, follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a family member if needed.