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 cars keys, a new one 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

It is frustrating to lose your car's only keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you need to do if you lose your car keys is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys faster, and could even make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last looked at your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket when you were running an outing. Following your steps can assist you in finding your lost keys in no time.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, you can try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue to locate your keys. Once you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, make sure you examine each location. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or underneath something and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a major issue. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup in case you ever do lose your car's only key.

Before you start worrying about losing your only car key, take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to find it. First, retrace your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to hold your keys lost as you grab other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the places you normally place them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to run to a store or perhaps you went to your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys, you need to contact a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal without any electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If you have a key fob with a chip and a more recent model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and call or even lost your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're working. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. If you have a spare key, you need to check all of the places you've previously kept keys. This includes obvious places such as a purse or backpack or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on your table or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these places too.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can place on your car to store keys that you don't need. These are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off accidentally when driving over bumps and they also shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a relative they won't be able to open it without you.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks that have a compartment that is hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can use dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last spot to look. If you have keys that open the cap for gas it could be an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be as obvious. Make sure you use a strong piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

lost car key with no spare car keys can be a major hassle, but there are ways to reduce their impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to reverse your steps, checking all of the most common hiding spots and contacting a local locksmith, you can find your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a locksmith

If you don't have spare keys the best thing to do if you've lost your car keys is to contact locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost my car keys key quickly, and provide you with tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone with a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option however, remember that these kinds of businesses often need to have the exact make, model and year of your car in order to copy keys correctly.

You'll need visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has smart fobs. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.

A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealers however at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to assist you in getting into your car.

If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on watch for anyone who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the worst case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is that you should never be in a panic. Instead, follow the steps above and seek the assistance of a family member if needed.