What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the small stuff such as keys.

For most vehicles, 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 sole car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you must do when you lose your only car key is to stay calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make things worse.

Start by trying remembering when you last saw them. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to run an appointment, or they might be missing when you were carrying groceries into the house. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big deal. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a small container stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in case you lose your only car key.

Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something other, and i lost my Only car key they could end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.

The next step is thoroughly search your car, especially the places where you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your car's dashboard when you left your car to go into the store.

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

Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one right on the spot. If you have a key fob with chip and is it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone or lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing that the majority of people have an extra key at their workplace or at home that they can easily find. If you have a spare key, you need to examine all places you've previously hidden them. These include obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. These are great for hiding keys as they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, which means that even if a friend has access to the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to hide keys. This is a great solution for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you do opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.

One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas, this can be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Just be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.

i Lost my only car key car keys can be a real pain, but there are ways to reduce the impact on your day to day life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots and calling a local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you've lost key replacement your car keys, you should call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and provide you with suggestions on how to replace car keys when lost to avoid this happening again in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. However, they will require the exact model, make, 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 to request a replacement. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service for less than a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send experts to assist you with getting into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also recommended to inform the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By reporting your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could even protect you from criminal charges if someone does try to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys that you have is that you should never panic. Follow the steps above and, if you need to ask a friend or family member to assist.