What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things such as keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get into your car. You may lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make things worse.

Start by trying to recall the last time you looked at your keys. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or put them in your pocket as you were out running an errand. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of 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. Check every spot you wrote down. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing a car keys was not a major issue. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small container that was connected to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case you lose your sole car key.

Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys as you grab other things, and often they end on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you normally put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go into an establishment.

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

Contact a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can typically make you a new one on the spot. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be easily found in the right spot. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could place on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning even if someone receives the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.

The hood is one last place to check. This is a great place to hide keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you take it off. it.

Car keys lost my only car key can be a real pain, but there are ways to lessen their impact on your day to day life. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call for a locksmith

If you've lost your car key, you should call locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option however, Download free remember that these kinds of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your car in order to copy a key correctly.

If your car is an older model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly particularly when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships, but at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to help you get into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that no one else will 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 lost for car, you also inform police about anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you have lost your car keys. Instead, try the steps listed above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.