What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get i lost my only car key in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new key can be created at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your car's only keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make the situation worse.

Begin by trying to remember when you last seen them. You may have dropped them when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you were out running an outing. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working, try writing all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places your keys could be, examine each location. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a major issue. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their vehicle. Nevertheless, 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 depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. That's why it's important to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.

Take an exhale before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the areas where you usually put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go to a store.

You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

Call a locksmith for assistance if you can't locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob with a chip and a more recent model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the right place. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check the same places as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could put on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over bumps, and they will also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units have combination locks, so that even if a friend gets the key, they won't be able to open it without your help.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you must be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas it could be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be so obvious. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or i lost my only car key scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. You can locate 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 a locksmith

If you've lost the car key and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also provide you with advice on how to replace car keys when lost to avoid this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication company. But, they'll require the exact make, model, and year of your car to duplicate a key.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or uses an electronic fob. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that many people don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to assist you get back in your car.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's essential to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This ensures that nobody else will have access to your car without permission. It also keeps you safe in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By notifying your keys, you also notify police of anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle 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 lose your car keys. Instead, follow the steps listed above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.