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What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

Things get lost in the whirlwind that is life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends, etc. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes, it's the little things, like keys.

For most vehicles, a new key can be made at your local hardware store with evidence of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.

Retract your Steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able to access your vehicle. You can lose money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you need to do when you lose the only car key you have is to be calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.

Try to remember the last time you saw them. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of your car to do an errand, or they may have been dropped while you were carrying groceries into the house. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If retracing your steps does not work, you can try writing down all of the places you've been throughout the day. This could trigger 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, make sure you make sure you check each spot. It is possible keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be in a position to pick them right where you left them.

Check Inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing, or even losing, a car key was not a major issue. In the past people stored spare keys in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their vehicle. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely now to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require several steps and cost hundreds of dollars based on the car's type and model year. That's why it's important to have a backup plan in case you lose your sole car key.

Take your time before you get anxious about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control you can begin to work through the steps. Begin by retracing your steps and consider when you last held the keys in your hand. It's normal to hold keys while you are grabbing something else, and they may end up on the on the floor, but you aren't able to see them.

Then, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special focus on the areas you typically put them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to run into a store, or perhaps you walked into your bag to grab snacks and accidentally threw them out of there.

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

Call a locksmith for assistance when you're unable to find your keys. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob with chip and is it is a newer model, you will need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It doesn't matter if you were in a rush to get out of the door, distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone or even forgot your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are distracted. The good news is that most people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be located in the right place. It is crucial to examine every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places such as a purse, backpack or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults you can stick on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. They are ideal for hiding keys because they won't fall off accidentally when driving over a bump and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a friend receives the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your assistance.

Another method of hiding keys is to buy a fake rock that has a hidden compartment. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this technique, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

The hood is one last place to check. This is a good place to hide keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Use a heavy-duty tape to keep the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your car when you remove it.

There are ways to reduce the impact of keys missing from your car in your daily routine. By taking a few minutes to retract your steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and contacting the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.

Contact a Locksmith

If you don't have spare keys stashed in a safe place, the best thing to do if you've lost the only car key you have is to contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able to advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. You can also try contacting the local key duplication business. However, they'll require the exact model, type, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.

If your car is a newer model, or uses a smart key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. It can be costly in particular when the dealer must purchase a new key for your vehicle. It can also take a few days or weeks.

Many people don't know that a locksmith can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a lost my only car Key or stolen key, and some offer roadside assistance that can send professionals to your home to help you get back in your vehicle.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as you can. This will ensure that your car is not used without permission, and you will be protected in the case of a robbery or assault. By declaring your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to use your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to panic if you have lost car keys cost your only car keys. Instead, try the steps above and ask for the help of a family member, if needed.