What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes, it's the little things such as keys.

For most cars, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.

Retract your Steps

It's a pain to lose your car's only keys and be unable to get into your car. You may lose money, time and peace of your mind. But the first thing you should do when you've lost the only car key you have is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make the situation worse.

Start by trying remembering when you last saw them. You might have lost key replacement them when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you ran an errand. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost keys in a matter of minutes.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. After you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, make sure you check each spot. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Check 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 people kept a spare key in a small container that was attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost my only car Key car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the kind of vehicle and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your only car key.

Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key, take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and consider the last time you held keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your car, especially the areas where you typically keep them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store, or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to contact a locksmith for help. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you have a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Check Your Hiding Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing the majority of people have an extra key at their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.

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 ideal for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend receives the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your assistance.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last spot to look. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.

Lost car keys can be a real pain however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your daily life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places and contacting the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.

Call for a locksmith

If you lose your car key, you should call a locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and provide you with suggestions on how to avoid this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication company. However, they will require the exact model, brand, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it has an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also notify police of anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could even protect you from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is that you should never be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed get a family member or friend family to help.