What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

For most vehicles, a new key can be created at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap 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 you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you must do when you lose your only car key is to be calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys faster, and could cause more damage.

Start by trying to remember the last time you looked at your keys. They might have been lost key what to do when you brought in groceries or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were running an run. The process of retracing your steps will assist you in finding your lost keys in no time.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and provide you with the clue you need to find your keys. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you might just be able to pick them up right 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 major issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small container that was attached to their vehicle. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost car key replacement cost. Replacing a i lost my car keys what do i have lost my car keys do - mouse click the next article, or stolen car key could require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you lose your sole car key.

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 start working through the steps. Retrace your steps and reflect on when you last held the keys in your hands. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search your car, particularly the places where you usually put them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to go into a store or perhaps you went to your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out of there.

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

Contact a locksmith if you can't locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. If, however, you own an older key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Be aware of your hiding spots

If you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or even forgot your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're working. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key at their office or home that they can easily find. If you have an extra key, you need to examine all places where you have previously stored the keys. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through the same places as well.

There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you could place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. They are ideal for hiding keys as they won't fall off accidentally when you drive over a bump and they also shield your key from the elements. Many 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.

Another trick to hide keys is to buy a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is one last place to check. This is a good place to hide keys for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots and calling a local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any unnecessary time or money.

Call 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 can help you retrieve the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on ways to prevent 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 kinds of businesses usually require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate the correct key.

If your car is a newer model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly and especially if you need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service for less than a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your location to assist you get back into your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting a dealer. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By notifying your keys, you also notify police of anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your car. It is important to not panic if you have lost the keys to your car. Instead, try the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a family member if needed.