What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands socializing with friends, and work - things are lost car keys. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things, like keys.

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

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you must 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 any quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Begin by trying to remember the last time you seen them. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to run an run, or they could have been dropped while carrying groceries into the house. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Check every spot you recorded. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big issue. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their car. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. It is important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose the original.

Take an exhale before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car, where you don't even see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your car's dashboard when you left your car to go to an establishment.

Also, you should examine your purses, pockets, and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

Get help from a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually make you a new one right on the spot. If you have a key fob that has a chip and a more recent model, you will need to contact the dealership to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing most people keep an extra key in their office or home that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, it is important to check all of the places where you have previously stored keys. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over the same places as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and near By mini vaults that you can put on your car to store keys that you don't need. They are ideal to hide keys since they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if the key to a relative, they can't open it without your permission.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas, this can be the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be so obvious. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps by scouring all of the most frequent hiding spots, and calling an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.

Call a locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also offer tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate company. However, they'll require the exact model, brand, model, and year of your car to duplicate keys.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it uses an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. It can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take a few days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can provide the same service for less than a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a replace lost car key or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to help you get into your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting an agent. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission. It will also protect you in case you're ever victimized near by a robber or attacked. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on watch for anyone who might try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Try the above steps and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family member to assist.