What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get i lost the key to my car in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, and so on. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things like keys.

For most cars, a new key can be created at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost 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 could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make the situation worse.

Try to remember when you last observed them. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to do an appointment, or they might be missing while you were taking groceries inside. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.

If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing every place you went to during the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes keys lost for car "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past the idea of losing or misplacing a car key lost in car wasn't a big deal. In the past people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their vehicle. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in the event that you lose your only car key.

Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys as you grab other things, and often they end on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special focus on the areas you typically place them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go to a store or maybe you walked into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out.

You should also examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. If you have a key fob with a chip and a more recent model, you'll need to contact the dealership to get a new one.

Be 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 sandwich while on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose keys. It's good that most people keep an extra key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could stick on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage units have combination locks, so even if someone gets the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have an enclosed compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to utilize this technique, you can use dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is one last spot to look. It's a good spot to hide keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Make sure you use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a real pain, but there are ways to reduce their impact on your day to day life. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps and scouring the most common hiding spots and calling a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you've lost your only car key is call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone with a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these kinds of businesses often need to have the specific model, make and year of your car in order to copy the correct key.

You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. It can be costly in particular when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can offer the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a i lost my car keys what do i do or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send experts to help you get into your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It's essential to report your keys 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 that you are ever attacked or robbed. By declaring your keys, you also notify police of 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 attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is that you should never be in a state of panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.