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. Sometimes it's the smallest things such as keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new one can be created at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your car's only keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Start by trying remembering when you last saw them. It could be as simple as putting them in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to go on an run, or they could be missing when you were bringing groceries inside. You can find your keys by following your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try noting down all the places you'i ve lost my car keys what can i do been throughout the day. This will trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Once you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, make sure you examine each location. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a huge issue. 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. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost my key or stolen car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and model year. It is essential to have a spare car key in case you lose the original.

Take your time before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. 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 as you grab other things, and often they end up on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the places where you usually place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go into an establishment.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.

Get help from a locksmith when you're unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one on the spot. If, however, you own an older key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

Whether you were in a hurry to get out of the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone or even forgot your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're distracted. The good news is that most people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. It is important to check every place you've hidden your spare key. These include obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. These are great to hide keys since they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over a bump, and they will also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so even if someone receives the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you do opt to go this route, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.

One final place to check is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to hide keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.

Car keys I Lost My only car key can be a huge hassle but there are ways to minimize the impact on your daily life. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also save you time and money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone with a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option however, remember that these types of establishments usually require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle in order to copy a key correctly.

You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly in particular when the dealer must obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. 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 choosing a dealer. It's essential to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This helps to ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it also keeps you safe in the event of being attacked or robbed. By declaring your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who is trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from charges of criminality if someone does try to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your car keys is to not be in a state of panic. Follow the steps above and, if you need to ask a friend or family to help.