What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends and so on. Sometimes it's the small stuff, like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to be calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could cause more damage.

Try to remember when you last observed them. You might have lost them when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket as you were out running an run. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost my Only car key keys in no time.

If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you to remember where you were and could give you clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, double make sure you check each spot. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big problem. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and the year of manufacture. It is important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose your original.

Take a deep breath before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other things, and often they end in the back of your car where you don't even see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search your car, especially the areas where you typically put them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to run into a store or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.

You should also examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them and carefully examine every crevice.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an instant replacement. If you have a key fob that has a chip and it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can easily be found in the right spot. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could place on your car to store a spare key. They are ideal for hiding keys as they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over bumps and also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units also have combination locks, so even if someone gets the key, they won't be capable of opening it without your assistance.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you choose to utilize this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is the final spot to look. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap on your gas tank, this can be the perfect spot to conceal it because it won't be as visible. Be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to remove it.

Car keys lost keys can be a huge hassle but there are ways to reduce their impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places and contacting the local locksmith to retrieve your keys and not waste any money or time.

Contact a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do if you lose your only car key is call locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these kinds of businesses usually require the exact make, model and year of your car to duplicate keys correctly.

If your car is a newer model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct 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 provide the same service as a dealership however at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing costs in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to help you get into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It is also important to inform the police as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car 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 might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, this could also shield you from criminal charges if someone does try to steal your car. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your car keys. Try the above steps and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to help.

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