What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

A new key for most cars can be made in your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. 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 get into your car. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could cause more damage.

Start by trying remembering when you last seen them. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket when you were out running an run. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, make sure you check each spot. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a huge issue. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and i lost my only car key keys are more likely to be i lost my only car key. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. It's important to always have a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Take an exhale before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and reflect on when you last had the keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you typically put 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 get snacks and accidentally threw them out.

It is also important to examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or big bags.

Contact a locksmith if you can't find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually make you a new one right on the spot. If, however, you own an older key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even lost your keys It's easy to forget them when you are busy. It's good that most people keep an extra key at their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. If you have an extra key, it is important to examine all places you've previously stored them. These include obvious places like a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. They are great to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative gets the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your help.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you could employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is replace a lost car key final spot to look. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank, this can be an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be as visible. Make sure you use a strong piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. By taking a moment to retract your steps and scouring the most common hiding spots and calling an expert locksmith in your area to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Contact an expert locksmith

If you lose the car key, you should call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and provide you with suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone who owns a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys correctly.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has an electronic fob. This can be expensive in particular when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else can have access to your car without permission. It also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever attacked or robbed. By reporting your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who is trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your car. It is essential not to panic if you have lost the keys to your car. Instead, follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member, if needed.