What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands socializing with friends and work - things are lost. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things, like keys.

A new key for all cars can be made in 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 access your vehicle. It can cost of replacing lost car keys (read here) you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.

Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you ran an errand. It is possible to locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or losing, a car key was not a huge issue. In the past people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. However, as cars get 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 based on the vehicle type and the year of manufacture. It is essential to have a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. First, retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other things, and often they end up on the floor of your car where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your vehicle, 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 got out of your car to go into an establishment.

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

Contact a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chip and is a more recent model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to request a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out the door, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and call or you simply forgot your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're working. It's a good thing that many people keep an extra key at their home or workplace that they can easily locate. If you have a spare key, it is essential to examine all places you've previously stored the keys. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or cost of Replacing Lost car Keys even a stack on your desk, Cost Of Replacing Lost Car Keys or even a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your car so you can stash a spare key in it. They are great to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without you.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that burglars are usually looking for these items. If you decide to use this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to see.

One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the gas cap it could be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to take it out.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys missing from your car in your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your steps and examining the most common hiding places. Calling a local locksmith can assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you lose your car key, you should call locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and offer advice on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication company. However, they will require the exact model, make, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with an electronic fob. This can be costly and especially if you need to order the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically provide the same service as dealerships but at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting an agent. It is also important to report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you also notify police of anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario it could also protect you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you should never panic. Follow the steps above and, if you need to ask a friend or family member to help.