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. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

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

Retract your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.

Start by trying to remember when you last had your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of your car key lost replacement to go on an errand, or they may be missing when you were taking groceries inside. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Double check every place you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or 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 too long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a big deal. Most people had a spare connected to their car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get replace lost car keys. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in case you lose the original.

Before you start worrying about losing your only car key take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the car floor where you cannot be able to see them.

The next thing to do is thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally keep them. You may have put 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 a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.

You should also check your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one right on the spot. If, however, you own a modernized key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or call or even lost your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're distracted. It's good that most people keep an extra key in their home or workplace that they can easily find. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these places too.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a person they aren't able to access it without you.

Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to employ this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

One final place to check is the hood of your car. This is a great place to conceal keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

There are methods to lessen the impact of lost car keys replaced car keys on your daily routine. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. A local locksmith will also save you time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you've lost your car key and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. However, they'll need the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it has an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive in particular when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

Many people don't know 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 or towing in the case of a i lost My only car key or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance to send professionals to your home to help you get back into your car.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing an agent. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that your car 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 let police officers be on watch for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you lose the keys to your car. Instead, you should follow the steps above, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.