What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.

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

Retract your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do if you lose your only car key is to be calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and could even make the situation worse.

Begin by trying to remember when you last observed them. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you were running an errand. Retracing your steps can help you find your lost keys in a matter of minutes.

If retracing your steps does not work, try noting down all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you clues as to where your keys are. After you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge issue. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. That's why it's important to have a backup key in case you lose your car's only key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key, take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places where you usually place them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to run to a store, or perhaps you went to your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

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

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one right on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you will need to contact the dealership to get a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be easily found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places you've previously kept keys. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could place on your car to store your spare keys. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a friend has access to the key but they aren't able to open it without your assistance.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor cost of replacing Lost Car keys areas, however you should be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.

The hood is one last location to check. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas it could be an ideal spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call an expert 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 call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening again. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key correctly.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be expensive, especially if they need to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take a few days or even weeks.

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service for a fraction the Cost of replacing lost Car keys of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a lost car keys cost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your home to help you get back in your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it also keeps you safe in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is to not panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to assist.