What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends things get lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff like keys.

A new key for most automobiles can be created at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective alternative.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get in your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.

Start by trying to recall when you last had your keys. You might have lost car keys them when you brought groceries in or put them in your pocket when you ran an outing. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left.

Take a look inside Your Car

Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a huge deal. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and model year. It is important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Take an exhale before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to locate it. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last held the keys in your hand. It's not unusual to carry your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where you can't see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go to an establishment.

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 to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.

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

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. These include obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are great for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over a bump and also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a friend receives the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your assistance.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final spot to look. If you i have lost my car keys an ignition key that opens the cap for gas it could be the perfect spot to conceal it because it won't be as visible. Use a tape that is strong to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.

Car keys lost can be a real pain however, there are ways to reduce their impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most frequent hiding spots and calling the local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid losing any money or time.

Contact a locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place, the best thing to do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to replace lost car key to prevent this from happening again in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication business. But, they'll need the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.

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

A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as a dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost car key how to replace key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It is also important to notify the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that no one else can have access to your car key lost without permission, and it will also protect you in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. Notifying your keys will let police officers be on the lookout for anyone trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you have lost the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family member to assist.