What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands socializing with friends, and work Things get lost. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things such as keys.

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

Retract your steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. You may lose time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you've lost the only car key you have is to remain calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.

Start by trying to remember the last time you looked at your keys. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to run an errand, or they may be missing while taking groceries inside. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your lost keys in no time.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you might just be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car keys was not a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and model year. That's why it's important to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your sole car key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and reflect on when you last had the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your car, particularly the places you normally place them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store or maybe you walked into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.

It is also important to look through your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys, you need to call 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 right on the spot. If you have a key with a chip and an older model, you will be required to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone or forgot them, it's easy to lose them. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can be located in the correct spot. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a companion with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to be affixed to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative receives the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, lost my only car Key but it is important to be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final place to check. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank, this can be the perfect spot to conceal it since it won't be so obvious. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep 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 lost My only car key in your car on your daily routine. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to call locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a car key duplication shop nearby, that's a different option but remember that these types of establishments usually require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key correctly.

If your car is a newer model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. It can be costly in particular when the dealer needs to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as a dealership however at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost key replacement car or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting an agent. It's important to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it will also protect you in the event of being attacked or robbed. By notifying your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from criminal charges if someone does try to steal your car. It is crucial not to panic if you lose your only car keys. Instead, follow the steps above and ask for the help of a friend or family member if needed.