What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, etc. It's not always about the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the small things like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your only car keys and be unable to get into your car. You could lose time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you must do when you lose your car keys is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.

Try to remember when you last seen them. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket when you ran an errand. It is possible to locate your keys by following your steps.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

A few years ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys lost connected to their car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup key in the event that you lose your sole car key.

Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys as you grab other things, and often they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, especially the places you normally keep them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to run into a store, or perhaps you went to your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. However, if you've got a modernized key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is 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. If you have an extra key, it is essential to look over all the places you've previously stored them. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over the same places as well.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside it. These are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also 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 won't be able to open it without your permission.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but it is important to be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

One final place to check is the hood of your car. This is a good place to conceal a key for replacement the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

Lost car keys can be a huge hassle but there are ways to reduce the impact on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith can also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a locksmith

If you've lost the car key You should contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering it quickly and will also give you tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. However, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.

If your car is a newer model, or has an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. It can be costly in particular when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as a dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance to send experts to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing an agent. It is also important to inform the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By declaring your keys, you also notify police of anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from criminal charges if someone does try to steal your vehicle. It is important to not panic if you have lost the keys to your car. Instead, follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a family member if necessary.