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 my only car key. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

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

Retract your steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get in your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do if you lose your car keys is to stay calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make things worse.

Start by trying remembering when you last saw them. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket while you were out running an outing. Following your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in no time.

If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Double check every place you wrote down. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

A few years ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. It is essential to keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other things, and often they end in the back of your car where they aren't visible.

Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you usually put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you left your car to go into the store.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

Call a locksmith for assistance when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually make you an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you've got a modernized key fob with chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Check Your Hiding Spots

If you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even forgot your keys it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. It's a good thing that most people keep an extra key at their office or home that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, it is important to look over all the places you've previously kept the keys. These include obvious places like a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these places too.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. These are great for hiding keys as they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative has access to 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 areas. However, you must be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

lost car keys replacement cost car keys can be a major hassle but there are ways to minimize their impact on your daily life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any time or money.

Call a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the lost key quickly, and provide you with suggestions on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication business. However, they will need the exact brand, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or is equipped with an electronic fob. It can be costly, especially when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.

A thing that many don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as dealerships, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is that you should never be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if you need to ask a friend or family member to help.