What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the little things like keys.

For most vehicles, a new key can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.

Retract your steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and be unable to enter your vehicle. You could lose money, time and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you should do if you lose the only car key you have is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can cause more damage.

Start by trying remembering the last time you seen them. They might have been lost my key when you brought in groceries or put them in your pocket as you ran an errand. You can find your keys by following your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working, try writing all the places you visited throughout the day. This could trigger your memory and give you the clue to locate your keys. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you may be in a position to retrieve them right 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. Most people had a spare attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to be lost keys of car. replacing lost keys to a car a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in case you lose your original.

Before you begin to panic about losing your only car key, take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your hands. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other things, and often they end up on the floor of your car where they aren't visible.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you normally place them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard when you got out of your vehicle to go to the store.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.

Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to locate your keys. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. If, however, you own an older key fob with chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Check Your Hiding Spots

Whether you were in a hurry to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or you simply lost car keys replacement near me your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're busy. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can be easily located in the right place. If you have a spare key, you need to examine all places where you have previously hidden them. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these places too.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive over bumps, and can protect your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a relative they aren't able to access it without your permission.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another method to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you do opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last location to check. If you have an ignition key that opens the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be as visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your car when you remove it.

car keys lost the car key - More Bonuses - can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen their impact on your daily life. You can find your keys by retracing Your steps and examining the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Contact a locksmith

If you lose your car keys You should contact a locksmith. They can assist you in recovering the lost key quickly, and give you tips on how to prevent this occurring again in the future. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's another option however, remember that these types of establishments often need to have the exact make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy a key correctly.

You'll have visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. This can be expensive and especially if you need to purchase the right key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically provide the same service as dealerships however at less cost. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing in the case of a lost or stolen key, and some provide roadside assistance and send experts to your home to help you get back in your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. It is also recommended to notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else will have access to your car without permission. It will also protect you in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. By declaring your keys, you also inform police about anyone who might attempt to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose your only car key is that you shouldn't panic. Instead, follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member, if needed.