What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, and so on. Sometimes it's the smallest things like keys.

A new key for the majority of automobiles can be created at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You can be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you must do if you lose your only car key is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Start by trying to recall when you last saw your keys. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you got out of your car to go on an run, or they could have been lost while you were bringing groceries inside. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Once you'i ve Lost my car keys what can i do written down all possible places your keys could be, double examine each location. You may find that keys «drift» on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

A few years ago the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big problem. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of the model. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you ever do lose your only car key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key, take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. Retrace your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

The next step is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally keep them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go to an establishment.

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

If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one on the spot. If, however, you own an older key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key in their home or workplace that they can easily find. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to attach to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a relative gets the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.

Another trick to hide keys is to purchase fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. It's a good spot to conceal keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.

lost car keys replaced car keys can be a major 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 common hiding places. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact for a locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and give you advice on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication business. But, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your car to duplicate keys.

You'll have visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or uses a smart fob. This can be costly in particular when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

One thing that many people don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealerships however at less cost. Many insurance policies also provide for locksmith charges or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send experts to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and will also protect you in case you're ever attacked or robbed. By reporting your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who might attempt to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you have lost your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if you need to ask a friend or family to help.