What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends - things are lost. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new key can be made at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to get into your car. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you need to do when you've lost your car keys is to remain calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys faster and can make the situation even worse.

Start by trying remembering the last time you seen them. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket when you ran an errand. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to locate your keys. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or losing a car keys was not a big deal. In the past, a majority of people kept spare keys in a small container that was that was attached to their car. Today, however, cars are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require 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 the event that you lose your only car key.

Take your time before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hands. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.

The next step is thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard after you left your vehicle to go to the store.

It is also important to check your pockets, nearby purses, and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or big bags.

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If you have a key fob that has chip and is it is a newer model, you'll have to contact the dealer to request a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

If you were in a hurry to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or call or you simply forgot your keys It's easy to forget them when you are working. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can easily be found in the right spot. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or even a drawer in your dresser. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check these places too.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults you can put on your vehicle to store your spare keys. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you give the key to a person, they can't open it without you.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another method to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final place to check. This is a great place to hide keys to the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost my key car keys on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to reverse your steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places, and calling an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and not waste any time or money.

Call for a locksmith

If you lose your car key You should contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses usually require the specific make, nearby model and year of your vehicle in order to duplicate keys correctly.

If your car is a newer model, or uses a smart key fob you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people do not realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as dealers but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send experts to help you get into your car.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It is also recommended to notify the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car key lost is not used without permission, and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on looking for anyone trying 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 losing the car keys that you have is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Try the above steps and, if needed, enlist a friend or family member to assist.