What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost car key how to replace in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, etc. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes it's just the small things such as keys.

A new key for all automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive option.

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your only car keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. You can lose time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you must do when you've Lost my Only Car key your car keys is to remain calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could cause more damage.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last had your keys. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket when you got out of your car to run an errand, or they may have been dropped when you were taking groceries inside. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you an idea of where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a huge issue. In the past people stored spare keys in a small box connected to their car. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and 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 type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your sole car key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you are grabbing something else, and they can end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, particularly the areas where you typically put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you exited your vehicle to go to the store.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to forget about things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and scrutinize every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without any electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If, however, you own a modernized key fob that has chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Check Your Hiding Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a meal 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 that they keep in their house or office that can be located in the correct spot. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. These include obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Request a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could put on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units have combination locks, so that even if a relative receives the key, they won't be able to open it without your help.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to hide keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

The hood is one last spot to look. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap for gas and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it since it won't be so obvious. Make sure you use a strong piece of tape to ensure that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your daily routine. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most frequent hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. If you know someone who owns a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option however, remember that these kinds of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys correctly.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it has a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a new replacement. It can be expensive and especially if you need to order the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.

A thing that many don't realize is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealers but at only a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send experts to assist you in getting into your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing the dealer. It's important to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. The act of reporting your keys will enable police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could even protect you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your car. The most important thing to remember when losing the car keys lost that you have is to not be in a state of panic. Instead, try the steps above and ask for the help of a family member if necessary.