What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. It's not always the big things. Sometimes it's just the small things like keys.

A new key for all cars can be made in your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to get into your car. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys quicker, and it could cause more damage.

Start by trying to remember when you last saw your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of your car to run an errand, or they may be missing while taking groceries inside. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in a matter of minutes.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you clues as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left.

Check Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or i lost my only Car key car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your car's only key.

Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key, take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you 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 to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally keep 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.

You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure you empty them and scrutinize every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. However, if you've got a modernized key fob with chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key in their home or workplace that they can easily find. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously hidden the keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can put on your car to store your spare keys. They are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a person, they can't open it without your permission.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this method, you could make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to find.

Another place to look is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank it could be the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be as visible. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to minimize the impact on your day to day life. By taking a few seconds to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places and contacting the local locksmith, you can find your keys and not waste any money or time.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have spare 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 the key quickly and provide you with advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. But, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your car and can take days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service at less than a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to help you get back into your car.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before choosing a dealership. You should also notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it will also protect you in case you're ever attacked or robbed. By reporting your keys, you also notify police of anyone who may try to access your car illegally. 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 crucial not to panic if you have lost car keys cost to replace your car keys. Instead, try the above steps and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.