What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos that is life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. It's not always about the big things. Sometimes, it's the tiniest things, like keys.

A new key for the majority of automobiles can be made at your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost option.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose your car keys is to be calm. Doing your best to panic is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.

Try to remember the last time you observed them. It could be as easy as putting them in your pocket when you hopped out of your car to go on an run, or they could have been dropped while taking groceries inside. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost key to car no spare keys in a matter of minutes.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try recording all the places you've been throughout the day. This will help you remember where you were and may give you clues as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all the possible places your keys could be, double make sure you check each spot. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you might just be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or losing, a car key was not a major issue. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small container that was connected to their vehicle. Nowadays, 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 many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and year of manufacture. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in case you lose your original.

Take an exhale before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay 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 unusual to carry your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go to the store.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.

Contact a locksmith in case you are unable to find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith can usually create a new one on the spot. If you have a key fob that has chips and is a more recent model, you'll be required to contact the dealer how to replace car keys when lost request a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

Whether you were in a hurry to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and call, or simply i lost my keys your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're working. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could put on your car to store your spare keys. They are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off accidentally when driving over a bump, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative has access to the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your assistance.

A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars will often look for these items. If you opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final place to check. This is a great place to conceal a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from slipping off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your daily routine. You can find your keys by retracing Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to call a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again in the future. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. But, they'll require the exact model, make, model and year of your car to duplicate the key.

You'll need visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has smart fobs. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your car and can take days or even weeks.

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost car keys with no spare key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to help you get into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will have access to your car without your permission, and will also protect you in the event of being robbed or assaulted. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on the lookout for anyone trying to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to steal your car. It is crucial not to panic if you lose your car keys. Instead, try the steps listed above and ask for the help of a family member if needed.