What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to get into your car. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you should do when you lose your car keys is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys quicker and could cause more damage.

Start by trying remembering the last time you observed them. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to run an appointment, or they might have been lost key replacement while carrying groceries into the house. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, you can try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you an idea of where your keys are. Check every spot you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys connected to their car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and model year. It's important to always have a spare car key in case you lose the original.

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. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last held the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the places where you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you got out of your car to go into an establishment.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call a locksmith for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with a chip and it is a newer model, you'll have to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and call or you simply forgot your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're working. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places where you have previously kept the keys. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can put on your vehicle to store a spare key. They are ideal 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. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a person they won't be able to open it without you.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you opt to go this route, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final spot to look. This is a great place to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Make sure you make use of a sturdy piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to remove it.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.

Call a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do if you've I Lost My Only Car Key; Http://Nagievonline.Com/User/Cornadvice77, your only car key is contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening again. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. However, they'll require the exact model, make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

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

Many people are unaware that locksmiths can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your home to help you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also important to notify the police immediately if you can. This ensures that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By reporting your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your car keys is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if needed.