A Step-By-Step Guide For Choosing Your I Lost My Only Car Key

What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life: kids, errands and work socializing with friends etc. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the little things like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new key can be created at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cheap alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do in the event that you lose the only key to your vehicle is to stay calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and it can cause more damage.

Start by trying to recall the last time you saw your keys. They might have been lost when you brought in groceries or you could have put them in your pocket while you ran an run. The process of retracing your steps will aid in finding your lost keys in no time.

If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down every place you went to during the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you a clue as to where your keys are. Check every spot you wrote down. It is possible that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left.

Look Inside  replace lost key  wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing, a car key was not a major issue. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and 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 the year of manufacture. It's important to always keep a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you grab something else, and they may end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where you typically put them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a shop or maybe you walked into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

It is also important to examine your purses, pockets, and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal with no electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. However, if you have a modernized key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Check Your Hiding Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave or distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or simply forgot them, it's easy to lose keys. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key in their workplace or at home that they can easily locate. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or a drawer in your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you can place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are perfect for hiding keys, as they won't break when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also have combination locks, so that even if you hand the key to a friend they aren't able to access it without you.

A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

The hood is the final place to check. If you have a key that opens the gas cap and the hood, this is the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be as obvious. Use a tape that is strong to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost in your car on your daily routine. You can locate your keys by retracing Your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can save you time and money.

Contact a locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and offer tips on how to prevent this happening again in the future. If you know someone with a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative, but keep in mind that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy the correct key.

If your car is a more recent model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and can take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships however at a fraction of the cost. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your location to assist you get back in your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to deciding to go with a dealership. It is also important to inform the police as soon as you can. This will ensure that no one else can have access to your car without permission, and it will also protect you in the event of being attacked or robbed. By reporting your keys, you also alert police officers to anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from criminal charges if someone does try to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose the car keys that you have is that you should never be in a state of panic. Instead, you should follow the steps listed above, and enlist the help of a friend or family member, if needed.