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What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things are lost in the whirlwind that is life such as kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes it's the little things, like keys.

For most cars, a new key can be purchased at your local hardware store with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a low-cost option.

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get into your car. You can lose money, time and peace of your mind. However, the first thing you need to do when you lose your only car key is to stay calm. Panicking will not help you locate your keys faster, and could even make the situation worse.

Start by trying to remember when you last looked at your keys. It could be as easy as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to go on an errand, or they may have been dropped while bringing groceries inside. Retracing your steps can help you find your keys in a matter of minutes.

If retracing your steps does not work, try writing down all of the places you've visited throughout the day. This could trigger your brain and give you the clue you need to find your keys. Once you've jotted down all the possible spots your keys could be, make sure you make sure you check each spot. Sometimes keys "drift" to the side, floor or underneath something and you may be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

Not so long ago the loss or misplacement of a car key wasn't a huge issue. The majority of people had spare keys key that was attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more advanced in technology and that means the keys are more likely to go missing. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and can cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. That's why it's important to have a backup key in case you ever do lose your only car key.

Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key, take an exhale and try to stay calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can go through the steps to find it. Begin by retracing your steps and consider the last time you held keys in your hands. It's not uncommon to hold your keys as you grab other items, and sometimes they end up on the floor of your car where you can't see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay particular focus on the areas you usually place them. You may have put them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store, or perhaps you reached into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out.

Examine your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or in a large bag, so make sure you empty them and carefully examine every crevice.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact an expert locksmith and request help. If you have a traditional metal key with no electronic components, a locksmith will usually make you an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you have a modernized key fob that has chips, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.

Check Your Hiding Spots

Whether you were in a rush to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat a sandwich or talk on the phone or you simply lost my car keys no spare your keys It's easy to forget keys when you're distracted. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the right place. If you have an extra key, it is essential to look over all the places you've previously stored keys. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to stick onto your vehicle so that you can stash a spare key in it. They are great for hiding keys because they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over a bump and they also protect your key from the elements. Many of these storage devices also come with combination locks, which means that even if you give the key to a relative, they can't open it without your permission.

Another popular trick for hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good idea for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars will often look for these items. If you do opt to go this route make sure you use dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to detect.

The hood is the final spot to look. If you have a key that opens the cap on your gas tank, this can be a great spot to hide it because it won't be as obvious. Make sure you use a heavy-duty piece of tape so that the key doesn't come off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to remove it.

Lost car keys can be a major hassle, but there are ways to minimize their impact on your day-to-day life. By taking a moment to Retract Your Steps, checking all of the most frequent hiding spots, and calling the local locksmith to locate your keys and not waste any 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 can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able to guide you on how to avoid this from happening again. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option, but keep in mind that these types of businesses usually require the exact make, model and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key correctly.

If your car is an older model, or if it utilizes a smart key fob, you'll have to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be expensive particularly if they have to order the correct key for your car and can take days or even weeks.

Many people don't know that locksmiths can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can provide professionals to your location to help you get back into your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's essential to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your car is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery, or assault. Reporting your keys will also enable police officers to be on looking for anyone who may try to gain access to your vehicle in a way that is illegal. In the event of a worst-case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to take your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is that you shouldn't panic. Try the above steps and, if needed get a family member or friend family member to assist.