What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are replace lost key in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

For most cars keys, a new one can be created at your local hardware store 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 access your vehicle. You can lose money, time and lost car Key replacement price peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you've lost your only car key is to stay calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make things worse.

Start by trying to remember the last time you saw your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were running an outing. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Once you've jotted down all the possible places where your keys might be, check each place again. You might find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

In the past, misplacing--or even losing--a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. It's important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Before you start worrying about losing your only car key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hands. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the places you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard when you exited your car to go to an establishment.

It is also important to look through your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.

Contact a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without any electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If you have a key fob that has chips and is it is a newer model, you'll need to contact the dealership to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

Whether you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or you simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. It's a good thing many people keep a spare key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If you have an extra key, it is important to look over all the places you've previously stored them. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. These are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning even if someone gets the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your assistance.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, but you must be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

Another place to look is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to conceal keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

There are ways to reduce the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.

Call for a locksmith

If you lose the car key and you've I lost my Keys it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option but remember that these kinds of businesses typically require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate keys correctly.

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

One thing that many people don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealers, but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to your home to help you get back into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever attacked or robbed. By declaring your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from charges of criminality if someone does try to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, follow the above steps and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.