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 major stuff. Sometimes it's just the little things like keys.

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

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able get into your car. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do if you lose your car keys is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and could even make things worse.

Start by trying to remember when you last saw your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you hopped out of the car to do an errand, or they may have been dropped while you were taking groceries inside. Retracing your steps can help you find your lost keys in no time.

If retracing steps doesn't work Try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could provide you with an idea of where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and lost my only car Key you'll be in a position to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car key was not a huge issue. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a lost my only car key or stolen car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars depending on the vehicle type and model year. It is essential to have a spare key for your car in case you lose your original.

Before you start freaking out about losing your only car key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your palm. It's common to juggle keys while you grab something other, and they could end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.

The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the places you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard after you got out of your car to go to an establishment.

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

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually create an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you've got an older 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

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply lost key replacement near me them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing the majority of people have an extra key in their workplace or at home which they can quickly locate. If you have an extra key, it is important to check all of the places you've previously stored the keys. Included in this are obvious places such as backpacks, purses, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a friend with you ask them to look over these places too.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can stick on your vehicle to store your spare keys. They are ideal for hiding keys because they won't fall off by accident when you drive over bumps, and they will also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without you.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you must be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.

One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have keys that open the cap on your gas tank and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it because it won't be so obvious. Make sure you use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. By taking a moment to retract your steps by scouring all of the most commonly used hiding places, and calling an expert locksmith in your area to retrieve your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.

Contact a Locksmith

If you've lost your car keys and you've lost car keys replacement cost it, you must contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and they'll also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these types of establishments typically require the specific model, make and Lost My Only Car Key year of your vehicle in order to copy a key correctly.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be expensive in particular if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or weeks.

A thing that many don't know is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as a dealership, but at a fraction of the cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your vehicle.

It's important to verify the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. You should also notify the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. The act of reporting your keys will enable police officers to be on looking for anyone trying to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is to not panic. Try the above steps and, if needed get a family member or friend family member to help.