What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

A new key for the majority of cars can be made in your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost option.

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your sole car keys and not be able to get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make things worse.

Begin by trying to remember the last time you saw them. You might have lost auto key replacement them when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you were running an run. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, try recording all the places you have been throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. After you've written down all possible places where your keys might be, double make sure you check each spot. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you may be capable of picking them up right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

A few years ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of the model. That's why it's important to have a backup in the event that you lose your car's only key.

Take your time before you panic about losing your one car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you grab other things, and often they end on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.

The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, especially the places you normally place them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to go into a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.

You should also examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and look carefully through every crevice.

Get help from a locksmith in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. If you have a key with chip and is it is a newer model, you'll be required to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and chat on the phone, or simply lost Key Replacement car your keys It's easy to forget them when you are working. The good news is that most people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, you need to check all of the places you've previously kept keys. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you ask them to look over the same places as well.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your car so you can stash a spare key in it. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive on bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without you.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a great idea for car keys lost outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking 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 one last place to check. If you have keys that open the cap for gas and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it since it won't be as obvious. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you take it off. it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys lost car key with no spare in your car on your daily life. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. A local locksmith can help you avoid wasting time and money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose the only car key you have is to call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also give you tips on how to prevent this repeating itself in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication business. However, they'll need the exact brand, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate keys.

If your car is an older model, or utilizes a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly in particular if the dealer has to order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can offer the same service at only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you with getting into your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever attacked or robbed. By declaring your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the worst-case scenario, this could also shield you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Instead, follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a family member if necessary.