What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the chaos of life - kids, errands socializing with friends and work - things get lost. It's not always the big things. Sometimes it's just the little things like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and be unable to get into your car. You can lose time, money and Lost keys car peace of your mind. However, the first thing you need to do when you've lost the only car key you have is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make the situation worse.

Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. You might have lost car key replacement them when you brought your groceries in or put them in your pocket when you were out running an errand. Retracing your steps can assist you in finding your lost keys in no time.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue to locate your keys. After you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you may be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your car keys lost what to do

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a huge issue. In the past, a majority of people stored spare keys in a small box connected to their car. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and model year. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your sole car key.

Take your time before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to locate it. Begin by retracing your steps and reflect on the last time you held keys in your palm. It's not unusual to carry your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where you typically place them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go to a store or maybe you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key with chip and is an older model, you will have to contact the dealer to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing that most people keep an extra key at their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, it is important to check all of the places where you have previously stored them. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a companion with you, ask them to check the same places as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect to hide keys since 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, which means that even if a relative receives the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.

One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it as it won't be as visible. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most frequent hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact an expert locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do if you've Lost Keys Car your car keys is to call locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and give you suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative however, remember that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly.

If your car is a newer model, or if it has a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and can take a few days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance to send professionals to your location to help you get back in your car.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting an agent. It is also important to notify the police as soon as you can. This ensures that no one else will have access to your car without your permission, and also keeps you safe in the event of being victimized by a robber or attacked. The act of reporting your keys will allow police officers to be on watch for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you should never panic. Instead, follow the steps above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if necessary.