What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the chaos of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work Things get lost my car keys no spare. Sometimes it's the little things such as keys.

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

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get in your vehicle. It can cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the sole key to your vehicle is to be calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys any faster, and it can even make things worse.

Start by trying to remember when you last saw your keys. You may have dropped them when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket as you were running an run. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, try noting down all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you an idea of where your keys are. Double check every place you recorded. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't that long ago that misplacing, or losing a car key was not a major issue. In the past, most people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was attached to their vehicle. Nowadays, however, vehicles are getting more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost key to car car key can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. It's important to always keep a spare car key in case you lose the original.

Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car keys lost no spare key, take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and think about when you last had the keys in your hand. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car, where they aren't visible.

The next step is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places where you usually place them. You may have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your vehicle to go to a store or maybe you went to your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. You might not be aware of your deep pockets or big bags.

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith could typically make you a new one on the spot. However, if you've got a modernized key fob that has chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get a replacement.

Check Your Hide Spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone, or simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose them when you are working. It's good that many people keep a spare key in their office or home which they can quickly locate. It is essential to look over every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table or a drawer on your dresser. If you have a friend with you, ask them to check these places too.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. 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 feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a relative, they can't open it without you.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas, however you should be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this technique, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to see.

One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. This is a good place to conceal a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be visible. Use a heavy-duty tape to stop the key from coming off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.

There are methods to lessen the impact of keys lost car key service in your car on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to reverse your steps and scouring the most common hiding spots, and calling the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid losing any unnecessary time or money.

Contact a Locksmith

Unless you have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do if you've lost your only car key is contact a locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover the key quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to avoid this from happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a key duplication shop for cars nearby, that's another option however, remember that these types of businesses usually require the specific make, model and year of your vehicle in order to copy keys correctly.

You'll need visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. It can be expensive, especially if they need to purchase the correct key for your vehicle, and it can take days or even weeks.

Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service for less than a dealership. A lot of insurance policies provide for locksmith charges or towing in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your home to help you get back into your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. You should also notify the police immediately if you can. This helps to ensure that nobody else will be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in the event of being robbed or assaulted. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from prosecution should someone attempt to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is that you should never panic. Follow the steps above and, if needed get a family member or friend family member to assist.