What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work Things get lost. It's not always the major things. Sometimes, it's the small things like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to get into your car. You may lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys more quickly and may cause more damage.

Start by trying remembering when you last seen them. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket when you got out of the car to do an errand, or they may have been dropped while you were bringing groceries inside. Following your steps can help you find your lost keys in no time at all.

If retracing your steps does not work, try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. After you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, double check each place again. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big issue. In the past people kept spare keys in a small box attached to their car. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you lose your sole car key.

Before you start worrying about losing your only car 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. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other things, lost my only Car key and often they end on the floor of your car, where you don't even see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you normally place them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a shop or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. However, if you have a modernized key fob with chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone or lost car keys with no spare them, it's easy to lose keys. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the correct spot. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to be affixed to your car so you can stash a spare key in it. These are ideal for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if the key to a friend, they can't open it without you.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last spot to look. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank, this can be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.

Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to minimize the impact on your day to day life. You can find your keys by retracing Your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do if you've lost my only car Key your only car key is call locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening again. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. But, they'll require the exact type, make and year of your car to duplicate keys.

You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has a smart fob. It can be costly particularly when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service for less than a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It is also recommended to inform the police as soon as 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 notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to take your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you have lost the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if needed, enlist a friend or family to help.