What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost auto key replacement in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the major things. Sometimes it's just the small things such as keys.

A new key for all cars can be made in your local hardware store, provided you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It's a pain to lose your sole car keys and not be able to get into your car. You could be a victim of time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you find your keys quicker and could cause more damage.

Start by trying remembering the last time you observed them. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket when you were running an errand. You can locate your keys by following your steps.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you were and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. After you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, double make sure you check each spot. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be capable of picking them up exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

A few years ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key was not a big deal. Most people had a spare connected to their car in a small container that was tacked to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a cheap lost car key replacement or stolen car key may require a number of steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It's important to always have a spare key for i lost my only car key your car in the event that you lose the original.

Before you begin to panic about losing your sole car key, take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can go through the steps to find it. Retrace your steps, and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other things, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where they aren't visible.

The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, particularly the places you normally place them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you got out of your car to go into a shop, or perhaps you went to your bag to grab a snack and accidentally knocked them out.

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

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. If, however, you own a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll have to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the house, distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or call or you simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're working. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. If you have an extra key, you need to examine all places where you have previously stored the keys. This includes obvious places such as bags or purses or even a pocket in the sofa, a stack of mail on the table, or a drawer on your dresser. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are a variety of magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are ideal to hide keys since 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 units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative gets the key and opens the door, they won't be able to open it without your help.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to hide keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, but you must be aware that thieves are usually looking for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

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

There are ways to reduce the impact of i lost my only Car Key car keys on your daily routine. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and calling an expert locksmith in your area to locate your keys and avoid losing any time or money.

Contact a locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do in the event that you lose the only car key you have is to call locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also provide you with advice on how to avoid this repeating itself in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop 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 to duplicate keys correctly.

If your car is a more recent model, or utilizes an electronic key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the right key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.

Most people aren't aware that locksmiths can provide the same service for less than a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in case of a lost key or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will send experts to assist you in getting into your car.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It's crucial to notify your keys as quickly as possible, too. 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 the event that you are ever victimized by a robber or attacked. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on the lookout for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from charges of criminality in the event that someone tries to steal your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose the car keys that you have is that you should never panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary get a family member or friend family to help.