What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the small stuff such as keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new one can be created at your local hardware store along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive alternative.

Retract your steps

It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and not be able to get into your car. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you need to do if you lose your car keys is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make things worse.

Start by trying remembering when you last saw them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to run an errand, or they may be missing while you were carrying groceries into the house. You can find your keys by tracing your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try noting down all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you may be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a huge deal. In the past, a majority of people stored spare keys in a small container that was that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. It is essential to keep a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Before you start worrying about losing your sole car key take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions, you can work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your hands. It's normal to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go into a store.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or big bags.

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you own an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one right on the spot. However, if you've got a modernized key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.

Check Your Hide Spots

If you were in a hurry to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and call or you simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. The good news is that most people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, it is important to look over all the places where you have previously kept them. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Have a friend do the same.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to store a spare key in it. These are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a person, they can't open it without you.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars often search 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 see.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the gas cap and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Use a strong tape to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. By taking a few minutes to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots and calling a local locksmith to locate your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you've lost car key no spare your car key and you've lost keys car it, you must contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the key quickly and give you suggestions on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of establishments often need to have the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate the correct key.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. This can be costly particularly if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take a few days or weeks.

A thing that many don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships but at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost My only car Key key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send experts to help you get into your car.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. You should also report your keys to 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 or assault. By notifying your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your car 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 be frightened if you lose your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if needed, enlist a friend or family to help.