What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff such as keys.

A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive option.

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able get into your car. You could lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.

Start by trying remembering the last time you seen them. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket as you ran an errand. Retracing your steps can help you find your lost keys in no time.

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. Double check every place you wrote down. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a major issue. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost keys to my car. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and the year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your car's only key.

Take your time before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where you don't even see them.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go to the store.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key with chip and is it is a newer model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can easily be found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to look over all the places where you have previously stored them. Included in this are obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over the same places as well.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. These are perfect for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage units have combination locks, so that even if a friend gets the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you do opt to go this route, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last location to check. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas, this can be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. You can find your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most frequent hiding spots. A local locksmith can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact for a locksmith

If you lose your car key, you should call a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also offer tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who has a duplication shop for car keys nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate the correct key.

If your car is a more recent model, or has a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a replacement. It can be costly, especially if the dealer has to order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.

One thing that many people don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealers, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a stolen or i lost My only car key key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to assist you get back into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. You should also report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It will also protect you in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By reporting your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to steal your car. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to not be in a panic. Try the above steps and, if needed ask a friend or family member to help.