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 about the big things. Sometimes it's just the little things such as keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get in your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you need to do if you lose your only car key is to remain calm. Panicking won't help you locate your keys more quickly and may cause more damage.

Begin by trying to remember when you last seen them. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to run an run, or they could have been dropped when you were taking groceries inside. Following your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in a matter of minutes.

If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a huge issue. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you lose your car's only key.

Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to find it. First, retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your palm. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run to a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out.

It is also important to examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure you empty them and scrutinize every crevice.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can typically make you a new one right on the spot. However, if you have an older key fob with chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can put on your car to store your spare keys. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without you.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to employ this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last place to check. It's a good spot to conceal a key for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

Car keys lost can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to lessen their impact on your daily life. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact a locksmith

If you lose the car key and you've lost it, you must 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 again. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. However, they will need the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

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

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or I've Lost My Car Keys towing costs in the event of a lost car keys or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to your location to assist you get back into your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without your permission, and will also protect you in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you have I've Lost My Car Keys your only car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member, if needed.