What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost car keys replacement cost in the chaos of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, and so on. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes, it's the little things such as 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 cost-effective alternative.

Retract your Steps

It's a pain to lose your car's only keys and be unable to get into your car. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you must do if you lose the only car key you have is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out is not going to help you locate your keys faster and can make the situation worse.

Begin by trying to remember the last time you seen them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to do an errand, or they may have been dropped while carrying groceries into the house. Retracing your steps can help you find your i lost my only car key keys in no time at all.

If retracing steps isn't working, try writing 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. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you might just be able to pick them up right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

Not so long ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key was not a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the car's type and model year. It's important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

Take a deep breath before you start worrying about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and think about when you last held the keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where you can't see them.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you typically put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go to an establishment.

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

Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create a new one right on the spot. If, however, you own a more modern key fob that has chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.

Check Your Hide Spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and call, or simply lost your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're busy. It's good that the majority of people have an extra key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. If you have an extra key, you need to examine all places where you have previously stored them. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

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

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you choose to utilize this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it as it won't be so obvious. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.

Lost car keys can be a major hassle but there are ways to reduce their impact on your day to day life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots, and calling the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any time or money.

Contact an expert locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. If you know someone with a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of establishments usually require the specific model, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys correctly.

You'll have visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be costly, especially if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

One thing that many people don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as a dealership however at a fraction of the cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. This will ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever attacked or robbed. By notifying your keys, you also inform police about anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could even protect you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to steal your car. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose the keys to your car. Instead, you should follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a friend or family member if needed.