What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get Lost My Only Car Key (Imoodle.Win) in the whirlwind of life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the big things. Sometimes it's just the little things such as keys.

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

Retract your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your car's only keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you lose the only car key you have is to remain calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys faster, and it can even make things worse.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you looked at your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought groceries in or put them in your pocket as you were running an errand. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Double check every place you wrote down. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

A few years ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a huge deal. In the past, most people stored spare keys in a small box attached to their car. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to get lost car keys replacement. Replacing a stolen or lost key for car what to do car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and year of manufacture. It's important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've calmed down you can go through the steps to locate it. Retrace your steps, and try to recall the last time you held the keys. It's normal to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the car on the floor, but you aren't able to be able to see them.

The next step is to thoroughly search through your car, particularly the areas where you typically put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you left your car to go into the store.

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

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request help. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get a replacement right away. If, however, you own an older key fob with chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're busy. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or simply forgot them, it is easy to lose them. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or even a stack on your desk, or a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your car so you can stash a spare key in it. These are ideal for hiding keys, as they won't fall off when you drive over bumps, and will shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if the key to a friend, they can't open it without your permission.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to find.

The hood is a final spot to look. It's a good spot to hide keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to prevent the key from falling off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most likely hiding spots. Calling a local locksmith can also save you time and money.

Contact an expert locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys stashed somewhere the best thing you can do if you lose your only car key is call locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone who owns a key duplication shop for cars nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of establishments usually require the exact make, model and year of your car to duplicate keys correctly.

You'll need to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.

Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can offer the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to help you get into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before choosing a dealership. You should also report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else will have access to your car without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever robbed or assaulted. By reporting your keys, you also inform police about anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is crucial not to panic if you lose your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if needed, enlist a friend or family to help.