What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost keys in the chaos of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.

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

Retract your steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only key to your car is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could cause more damage.

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

If retracing steps isn't working try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. After you've written down all possible places your keys could be, make sure you check each place again. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a huge issue. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a little box that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. It's important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Take your time before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hands. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they can end up on the car floor where you cannot be able to see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically place them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a shop or perhaps you reached into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets, or large bags.

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without any electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If you have a key fob that has chip and is an older model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places you've previously kept them. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over these same spots as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units have combination locks, so even if someone gets the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.

Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks that have a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you must 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 spot.

The hood is a final place to check. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank, this can be a great spot to hide it as it won't be so obvious. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.

replace lost car key car keys can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to reduce the impact they have on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do if you've lost your only car key is call a locksmith. They can help you recover it quickly and will also offer tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. However, they will need the exact type, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.

You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your vehicle and can take a few days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can provide the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing in the case of a stolen or lost car Key What to do key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to help you get back in your car key lost no spare.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This helps to ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without permission, and it will also protect you in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on the lookout for anyone trying to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from prosecution if someone does try to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Instead, try the steps above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member if necessary.