what to do if lost car keys to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends and work things are lost. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.

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

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able to access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out will not help you find your keys more quickly and may make the situation worse.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you had your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket when you got out of your car to go on an run, or they could have been lost while you were taking groceries inside. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.

If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you clues as to where your keys are. After you've jotted down all the possible places where your keys might be, check each place again. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them right where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

In the past the loss or misplacement of a car key was not a big problem. A majority of people had a spare attached to the car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, Car keys lost however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key lost in car can involve several steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the kind of vehicle and the year of its model. It's why it's essential to have a backup in case you lose your car's only key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your car's only key take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps to find it. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's common to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they can end up on the floor, where you can't see them.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Be sure to pay attention to the areas where you normally put them. You may have put them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run into a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to get snacks and accidentally threw them out.

You should also examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so be sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to call a locksmith for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that includes chips, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide proof of ownership to get an exchange.

Check Your Hide Spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich and talk on the phone or you simply forgot your keys It's easy to forget them when you are working. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. It is essential to look over every place you've hidden your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack, a pocket inside the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or a drawer in 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 that are designed to be affixed to your car so you can stash a spare key in it. These are great for hiding keys because they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your key from the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, meaning that even if a friend has access to the key and opens the door, they won't be capable of opening it without your help.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a compartment that is hidden. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.

The hood is one last location to check. It's a good spot to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be visible. Make sure you use a strong piece of tape to ensure the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.

Car keys lost can be a huge hassle however, there are ways to minimize the impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a few minutes to Retract Your Steps and scouring the most commonly used hiding places and car keys lost contacting an expert locksmith in your area, you can find your keys and avoid losing any time or money.

Call an expert locksmith

If you don't have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do if you lose your only car key is call locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving it quickly, and also be able to advise you on ways to prevent this from happening again. You could also contact a local car key duplication company. However, they'll need the exact brand, model and year of your car to duplicate keys.

You'll have to visit your dealer if your car is an older model or uses an electronic fob. This can be costly and especially if you need to order the correct key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually provide the same service as dealerships, but at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some even offer roadside assistance that can send experts to your home to help you get back into your vehicle.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to selecting the dealer. It is also recommended to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This will ensure that no one else will have access to your car without permission, and it also keeps you safe in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on the lookout for anyone who might try to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could even protect you from prosecution should someone attempt to take your car. It is crucial not to panic if you have lost the keys to your car. Try the above steps and, if needed ask a friend or family to help.