What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work things are lost. It's not always the big things. Sometimes it's just the little things such as keys.

For most vehicles, a new key can be made at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your car's only keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to be calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you looked at your keys. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to run an appointment, or they might be missing when you were carrying groceries into the house. Following your steps can assist you in finding your keys in no time at all.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try noting down all the places you have been throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Once you've written down all the possible spots your keys could be, double examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a major issue. In the past, a majority of people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and year of manufacture. It's important to always have a spare car key in case you lose the original.

Take an exhale before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you grab other things, and often they end in the back of your car, where you can't see them.

The next step is thoroughly search your car, particularly the places where you usually put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go to an establishment.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for help. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you an entirely new key on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chips and is it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to request a new one.

Check Your Hiding Spots

Whether you were in a hurry to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone, or simply i Lost my only car key your keys it's easy to lose them when you are working. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key at their office or home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to examine all places where you have previously hidden them. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could place on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect to hide keys since they won't break when you drive on bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without your permission.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can use dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to see.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. This is a great place to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. You can find your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most common hiding places. A local locksmith can also save you time and money.

Contact a locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost keys to car key quickly, and give you tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key correctly.

If your car is an older model, or has a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. It can be costly particularly when the dealer must 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 an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealers however at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you in getting 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 your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, I Lost My Only Car Key or assault. By reporting your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to access 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 the keys to your car. Instead, try the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member, if needed.