What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost car keys replacement in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the smallest things, like keys.

For most cars keys, a new one can be created at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your only car keys and be unable to access your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to remain calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make the situation worse.

Begin by trying to remember the last time you saw them. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of the car to run an appointment, or they might have been i lost the keys to my car while you were taking groceries inside. Retracing your steps can aid in finding your lost 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 remember where you were and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Double check every place you wrote down. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge issue. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their vehicle. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. It's why it's essential to have a backup key in case you lose your only car key.

Before you start worrying about losing your car's only key, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's normal to hold keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car floor where you cannot see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Be sure to pay focus on the areas you normally place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag or placed them on your dashboard when you got out of your car to go into an establishment.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or large bags.

If you still can't find your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. However, if you have a modernized key fob with chips, you'll have to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Be aware of your hiding spots

If you were in a hurry to get out of the house or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even lost your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. It's a good thing that most people keep an extra key in their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can stick on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal how to replace a lost car key hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you hand the key to a friend 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. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is a final place to check. It's a good spot to conceal a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.

Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to minimize the impact on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call an expert locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to contact locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication business. However, they will need the exact type, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.

If your car is a newer model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly particularly if they have to order the correct key for your car and it could take days or even weeks.

Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of replacing lost car keys of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send professionals to you to help you get into your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as you can. This ensures that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without permission, and it also keeps you safe in the event of being attacked or robbed. By reporting your keys, you will also notify police of anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if necessary.