What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the big things. Sometimes, it's the little things, like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your car's only keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you should do when you've Lost My Spare Car Key your only car key is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.

Start by trying remembering the last time you seen them. They might have been lost my car keys when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you were out running an errand. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your lost keys in a matter of minutes.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

In the past, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a huge deal. A majority of people had a spare key that was attached to the 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 disappear. Replacing a lost car keys with no spare or stolen car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your car's only key.

Take your time before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the areas where you usually put them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go to a store, or perhaps you walked into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them and carefully examine every crevice.

Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key lost with no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you a new one on the spot. However, if you have a modernized key fob with chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose keys lost. It's a good thing most people keep a spare key in their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. If you have a spare key, you need to check all of the places where you have previously hidden the keys. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can stick on your vehicle to store your spare keys. These are great for hiding keys as they won't fall off accidentally when driving over bumps and they also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend has access to the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the cap for gas, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your daily life. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a locksmith

If you've lost the car key your car keys You should contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. If you know someone with a duplication shop for car keys nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of establishments often need to have the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate a key correctly.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it has a smart key fob you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. This can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your car and can take days or even weeks.

A thing that many do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as a dealership but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance to send professionals to your location to assist you get back in your car.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It is also recommended to inform the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By reporting your keys, you also notify police of anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to take your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you have lost your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if necessary get a family member or friend family member to help.