I Lost My Only Car Key Tips From The Best In The Business

What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

A new key for all cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is an inexpensive alternative.

Retract your steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able get into your car. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do when you lose the only key to your car is to be calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you locate your keys faster, and could cause more damage.

Start by trying to remember when you last had your keys. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you ran an run. You can find your keys by following your steps.

If you aren't able to retrace steps Try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could give you an idea of where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you wrote down. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the side, floor or under something, and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys connected to their car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Today, however, cars are becoming more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in case you lose your car's only key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can begin to work through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other things, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you can't see them.

Then, go through  replacing a lost car key . Be sure to pay focus on the areas you normally put them. You might have left them on the dashboard as you stepped out of your car to run into a store, or perhaps you went to your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out.

Take a look in your pockets, purses and bags. It's easy to overlook things that are in the pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure you empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

If you're still having trouble finding your keys, you need to call an expert locksmith and request assistance. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith can usually make you a new one right on the spot. If you have a key fob with chip and is it is a newer model, you'll need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.

Check Your Hide Spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're occupied. Whether you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while on the phone or forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have a spare key, you need to look over all the places you've previously stored the keys. These include obvious places like a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you and you want them to go through these same spots as well.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your car so you can stash a spare key in it. They are ideal to hide keys since they can't be knocked off by accident when you drive over a bump, and they will also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning that even if a relative receives the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your help.

Another trick to hide keys is to buy a fake rock that has an enclosed compartment. This is a great option for outdoor areas, however it is important to be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you opt to go this route you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to spot.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have keys that open the gas cap and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. 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 try to remove it.

There are ways to minimize the impact of lost car keys on your day-to-day life. You can locate your keys by retracing your Steps and checking the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also help you avoid wasting time and money.

Contact a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys the best thing to do in the event that you lose your only car key is call locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and give you suggestions on how to avoid this occurring again in the future. You could also contact an auto key duplicate business. However, they will require the exact type, make, and year of your car to duplicate the key.

If your car is an older model, or if it has an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly, especially if they need to purchase the right key for your vehicle and can take a few days or even weeks.

A thing that many don't know is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as dealerships however at less cost. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which will send experts to assist you in getting into your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing an agent. It's crucial to inform your car's owner as soon as possible, too. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. By notifying your keys, you will also alert police officers to anyone who may try to access your car illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be shielded from criminal charges if someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your car keys is to not be in a panic. Instead, you should follow the steps above and seek the assistance of a friend or family member, if needed.