What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you lose your only car key is to remain calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys faster and can cause more damage.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last saw your keys. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket when you got out of your car to do an appointment, or they might have been lost while taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. After you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, how to replace lost car key double examine each location. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't that 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 that was attached to their car. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your sole car key.

Take a deep breath before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to be able to see them.

The next step is thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go to an establishment.

Check your pockets, purses 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 out and look carefully through every crevice.

Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement lost car keys. If, however, you own a modernized key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can easily be found in the right spot. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can put on your car to store keys that you don't need. They are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative has access to the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your assistance.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars will often look 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 find.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the gas cap, this can be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to remove it.

Car keys lost keys to my car can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to lessen the impact on your daily life. By taking a few seconds to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most common hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid losing any money or time.

Contact for a locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to replace lost Car key to avoid this from happening in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car to duplicate a key correctly.

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

A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships but at less cost. Many 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 provide professionals to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing the dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This ensures that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever attacked or robbed. By reporting your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family to help.