What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get i lost my car keys what do i do in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get into your car. You could lose time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you must do when you've lost car keys Replacement near me your car keys is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.

Start by trying to recall the last time you had your keys. 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 be missing while taking groceries inside. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in no time.

If retracing steps isn't working try writing down every place you went to during the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you an idea of where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side 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, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a huge issue. In the past people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost keys of car car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup in the event that you lose your car's only key.

Before you start worrying about losing your only car key take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can go through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your hands. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the floor where you cannot see them.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you usually put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or put them on your dashboard after you left your car to go into a store.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure you empty them and carefully examine every crevice.

Call a locksmith for assistance if you can't find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has a chip and a more recent model, you will have to contact the dealer to request a new one.

Check Your Hiding Spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out of the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone or you simply lost your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're working. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key at their office or home that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places you've previously kept keys. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great to hide keys since 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, meaning even if someone gets the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your help.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final place to check. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap on your gas tank it could be an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from slipping off or lost car keys scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

Car keys lost can be a huge hassle but there are ways to reduce their impact on your day to day life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots, and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to contact locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of establishments often need to have the exact make, model and year of your car to duplicate a key correctly.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or uses a smart fob. This can be costly, especially when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can offer the same service at less than a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send experts to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. You should also report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. The act of reporting your keys will enable police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to use your vehicle 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 keep in mind when you lose your car keys is that you should never panic. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member, if needed.