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. It's not always the major things. Sometimes, it's the small things such as keys.

A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cost-effective option.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get into your car. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you must do when you've lost the only car key you have is to be calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can cause more damage.

Start by trying to recall the last time you had your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you ran an errand. Following your steps can aid in finding your keys in a matter of minutes.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try noting down all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key lost what to do keys was not a big deal. Most people had a spare connected to their car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and the year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you lose your only car key.

Take a deep breath before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and consider when you last held the keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places where you usually put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or put them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go to an establishment.

It is also important to look through your purses, car keys lost 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 out and look carefully through every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for assistance. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with chips and is a more recent model, you'll need to contact the dealership to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or you i've lost my car keys them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If you have an extra key, it is important to look over all the places where you have previously stored the keys. This includes obvious places such as a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or a drawer in your dresser. If you have a companion with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could place on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without your permission.

Another trick to hide keys is to buy fake rocks with an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

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

Car keys lost can be a major hassle but there are ways to minimize their impact on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening again. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate business. But, they'll require the exact model, type, make and year of your car to duplicate keys.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your car, and it can take a few days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that locksmiths can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. You should also report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By reporting your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you lose your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family to help.