What I Lost My Only Car Key Experts Want You To Learn

What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the chaos of life including kids, errands, work, socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the major stuff. Sometimes it's just the tiniest things, like keys.

For most vehicles keys, a new one can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is an inexpensive option.

Retract Your Steps

It is frustrating to lose your only car keys and not be able to get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do if you lose your car keys is to be calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys quicker and could cause more damage.

Start by trying to remember when you last had your keys. They might have been lost when you brought groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket while you were out running an run. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This can jiggle your brain and give you the clue you need to find your keys. After you've written down all the possible places where your keys might be, double make sure you check each spot. You might find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

Not so long ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge problem. In the past people kept spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their car. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. It is important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose the original.

Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key, take your breath and try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held the keys. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something other, and they could end up on the car floor, where you can't see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you typically put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard after you left your vehicle to go to the store.

Check your pockets, purses and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or big bags.

Call a locksmith for assistance in case you are unable to find your keys. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive an exchange.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. If you were hurrying to leave or distracted by a meal while talking on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose them. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys that they keep in their home or office that can be located in the correct spot. If you have an extra key, it is essential to check all of the places you've previously hidden keys. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to stick onto your vehicle so that you can keep a spare key inside 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 units come with combination locks, meaning even if someone gets the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with a compartment that is hidden. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but you must be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you could use dark duct tap to make it more difficult for thieves to spot.

The hood is a final place to check. This is a good place to hide a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you try to remove it.

There are ways to reduce the impact of lost car keys on your daily life. By taking a few seconds 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 not waste any money or time.

Call a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed somewhere the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact locksmith. They'll be able to help you recover it quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate company. However,  lost car keys replacement  will require the exact type, make and year of your car to duplicate a key.

You'll need visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or is equipped with a smart fob. This can be costly, especially if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealers but at less cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which will provide professionals to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting a dealer. It's important to report your keys as soon as you can. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. The act of reporting your keys will allow police officers to be on looking for anyone who might try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your car. The most important thing to remember when you lose your only car key is that you shouldn't be in a panic. Instead, you should follow the above steps, and enlist the help of a friend or family member if necessary.