What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

A new key for most cars can be made in your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you've lost your car keys is to be calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation worse.

Begin by trying to remember the last time you seen them. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to run an errand, or they may have been dropped when you were taking groceries inside. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing every place you went to during the day. This will trigger your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. Once you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, make sure you examine each location. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big issue. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be I Lost My only car key. Replacing a lost key for car or stolen car key can take many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. It is important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

Take your time before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the places you normally put them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go to a store or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

You should also examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure to empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

Contact a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob with a chip and a more recent model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing the majority of people have an extra key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer in your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps and will protect your key against the elements. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a relative, they can't open it without your permission.

Another trick to hide keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. 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 employ this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.

One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap on your gas tank it could be the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be so obvious. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. By taking a few seconds to reverse your steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places and contacting an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and avoid losing any money or time.

Call a Locksmith

If you've lost the car key and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can help you recover the key quickly and provide you with suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has an electronic fob. It can be costly in particular when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.

A thing that many don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as a dealership but at less cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to your home to help you get back in your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before choosing a dealership. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. The act of reporting your keys will allow police officers to be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is that you should never be in a state of panic. Instead, follow the steps above and ask for the help of a family member if necessary.