What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff such as keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new key can be made at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective alternative.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able access your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing to do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Start by trying remembering when you last seen them. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket as you were out running an run. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.

If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. Once you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, double examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare connected to their car in a small container stuck 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 can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your car's only key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, Key Car Lost you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not unusual to carry your keys as you grab other things, and often they end in the back of your car where they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the places you typically place them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a shop or perhaps you walked into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

It is also important to look through your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook things in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one right on the spot. However, if you have a modernized key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

If you were in a hurry to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone, or simply lost your keys It's easy to forget them when you are busy. It's a good thing that many people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places you've previously kept the keys. This includes obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a relative has access to the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your help.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is the final spot to look. If you have keys that open the gas cap, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Just be sure to 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.

Car keys lost can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your day to day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots, and calling a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any money or time.

Call an expert locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and provide you with suggestions on how to replace a lost car key to avoid this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key Car lost duplication business. However, they will require the exact make, model, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

If your car is an older model, or if it has an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. It can be costly in particular when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost car key service key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to help you get into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By reporting your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is that you shouldn't panic. Try the above steps and, if necessary ask a friend or family to help.