What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the chaos of life - kids, errands socializing with friends, and work things get lost my only car key. Sometimes it's the little 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 low-cost alternative.

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 if you lose your only car key is to be calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could cause more damage.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you had your keys. They might have been replace lost car key cost when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you ran an errand. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, you can try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with an idea of where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, make sure you check each place again. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a major issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small box connected to their car. However, lost my only car key as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. It's important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

Before you start worrying about losing your only car key take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and think about when you last had the keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where they aren't visible.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you typically place them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to run into a shop, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.

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

If you still can't find your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob with chip and is a more recent model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or simply lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing that many people keep a spare key in their office or home that they can easily locate. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can stick on your vehicle to store a spare key. These are ideal for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so that even if a relative has access to the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you opt to go this route, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is the final spot to look. If you have a key that opens the gas cap, this can be an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be as visible. Just be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key doesn't come 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 day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots, and calling a local locksmith, you can find your keys and not waste any unnecessary time or money.

Call a Locksmith

If you've lost your car keys and you've lost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also offer suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. But, they'll require the exact make, model, and year of your car to duplicate keys.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. It can be costly, especially when the dealer needs to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.

Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It's important to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This ensures that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It also keeps you safe in the event of being attacked or robbed. By declaring your keys, you also alert police officers to 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 tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member, if needed.