Why I Lost My Only Car Key Could Be Much More Hazardous Than You Think

What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost car keys replaced in the chaos of life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things like keys.

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

Retract your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. You may be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember when you last looked at your keys. They might have been lost when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you ran an errand. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your keys in no time at all.

If you aren't able to retrace steps try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Check every spot you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

A few years ago the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big deal. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and year of manufacture. It's important to always have a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your car, particularly the places where you usually place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard when you left your car to go to an establishment.

Also, you should 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 you empty them and carefully examine every crevice.

Contact a locksmith when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. However, if you have a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain a replacement.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone, or simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are working. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their home or office that can easily be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, it is important to examine all places you've previously stored keys. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle to allow you to keep a spare key inside it. These are great for hiding keys because they won't fall off by accident when you drive over a bump and also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning even if someone gets the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your help.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final place to check. If you have a key that opens the gas cap it could be a great spot to hide it since it won't be as visible. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.

Car keys lost the keys to my car (read more) can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to reduce their impact on your day to day life. By taking a few minutes to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places and calling the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary 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 you can do if you lose your car keys is to call a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able advise you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate company. However, they'll require the exact model, type, make, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. This can be expensive in particular if the dealer has to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

One thing that many people don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships, but at only a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance to send professionals to your location to help you get back into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. You should also notify the police immediately if you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it will also protect you in the event that you are ever attacked or robbed. By declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could even protect you from criminal charges should someone attempt to take your car. It is crucial not to be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Try the above steps and, if you need to get a family member or friend family member to assist.