What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

For most cars, a new key can be made 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 get into your car. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.

Start by trying to remember when you last looked at your keys. They might have been i lost the key to my car when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you were running an errand. You can find your keys by retracing your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or even under something and you may be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing, a car key was not a huge issue. In the past people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their vehicle. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you lose your only car key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key Take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is thoroughly search 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 after you exited your car to go into a store.

Also, you should look through your purses, pockets, and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to call a locksmith for assistance. If you own a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith could usually create a new one right on the spot. However, if you've got a modernized key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Be aware of your hiding spots

If you were in a hurry to get out the door or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone, or simply i lost my only car key your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are busy. The good news is that most people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the right place. If you have an extra key, it is important to examine all places you've previously kept keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check the same places as well.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your vehicle to allow you to keep a spare key inside it. These are great for hiding keys as they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend has access to the key but they aren't capable of opening it without your assistance.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. 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 choose to employ this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to find.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. This is a great place to hide keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.

There are ways to reduce the impact of lost keys for my car car keys on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith will also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing you can do in the event that you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to avoid this from happening in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. But, they'll require the exact model, brand, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.

If your car is a more recent model, or if it utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly, especially when the dealer needs to order a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that locksmiths can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your location to help you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that nobody else will have access to your car without permission, and it will also protect you in the event that you are ever attacked or robbed. Reporting your keys will also let police officers be on looking for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your only car key is that you shouldn't panic. Instead, follow the above steps and ask for the help of a friend or family member if necessary.