What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends things get lost keys to my car. It's not always the big things. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things, like keys.

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

Retract your steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to get into your car. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys quicker and could make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or put them in your pocket when you ran an outing. You can find your keys by following your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps, try writing all the places you visited during the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

In the past the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big issue. In the past, a majority of people stored spare keys in a small container that was connected to their car. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a Lost My Only Car Key or stolen car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case you ever do lose your sole car key.

Take an exhale before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you reach for other things, and often they end in the back of your car, where you can't see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, especially the areas where you typically place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag or left them on your dashboard after you got out of your vehicle to go to an establishment.

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

Call a locksmith for assistance if you can't locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, you can request a replacement right away. If you have a key fob that has a chip and an older model, you will be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while you talked on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the right place. It is crucial to examine every place you've hidden your spare key. Included in this are obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you and you want them to go through these places too.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. They are ideal for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off accidentally when driving over bumps, and they will also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage units have combination locks, so that even if a relative has access to the key but they aren't able to open it without your help.

Another popular trick for 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 that burglars are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

Another place to look is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the gas cap it could be an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

Car keys lost key replacement near me can be a real pain however, there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your daily life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can also save you time and money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is call a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening again. You can also try contacting the local key duplication company. But, they'll need the exact type, make, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be costly in particular when the dealer needs to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost car key with no spare or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance to send experts to your location to assist you get back in your car.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting the dealer. It is also recommended to inform the police immediately if you can. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery or assault. Reporting your keys will also allow police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who may try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. It is crucial not to be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Follow the steps above and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family member to help.