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What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, socializing with friends, and work things are lost. It's not always the big stuff. Sometimes it's just the small things like keys.

A new key for most automobiles can be made at your local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.

Retract Your Steps

It can be a nightmare to lose your sole car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing you must do if you lose your car keys is to remain calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may cause more damage.

Try to remember the last time you seen them. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket as you ran an run. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.

If you are unable to trace your steps, and it doesn't work, try recording all the places you've visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could give you an idea of where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. You may find that keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.

Take a look inside Your Car

It wasn't long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a huge issue. Most people had a spare connected to their car in a little box stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced, keys are more likely to get lost. Replacing a lost or stolen car key can take many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the car's type and model year. It's important to always have a spare car key in case you lose the original.

Take a deep breath before you panic about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you've managed your emotions you can begin to work through the steps to locate it. First, retrace your steps and think about the last time you held keys in your palm. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other things, and sometimes they end in the back of your car, where you don't even see them.

The next thing to do is thoroughly search your car, particularly the areas where you typically keep them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go into a store, or perhaps you went to your bag to get a snack and accidentally knocked them out.

Also, you should look through 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 be sure to empty them and look carefully through every crevice.

If you're still unable to locate your keys, it's time to call an expert locksmith and request help. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. However, if you have an older key fob with a chip, you'll need to contact your dealership and possibly provide proof of ownership in order to receive a replacement.

Check Your Hiding Spots

If you were in a rush to get out the door or distracted while trying to eat your sandwich and talk on the phone, or simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're busy. The good news is that a lot of people have spare keys they keep in their home or office that can be easily located in the correct spot. If you have a spare key, it is essential to check all of the places where you have previously stored them. These include obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. If you have a companion with you, ask them to check these places too.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to be affixed to your vehicle to allow you to stash a spare key in it. They are great to hide keys since they won't break when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage units also come with combination locks, meaning even if someone has access to the key, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.

Another method of hiding keys is to purchase fake rocks with a hidden compartment. This is a great idea for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are often on the lookout for these items. If you do decide to use this method, try using dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to detect.

One final place to check is the hood of your car. If you have a key that opens the gas cap it could be a great spot to hide it as it won't be so obvious. Just be sure to use a strong piece of tape so that the key doesn't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.

Lost car keys can be a major hassle however, there are ways to minimize the impact they have on your day to day life. You can locate your keys by Retracting Your Steps and checking the most common hiding places. A local locksmith will also assist you in avoiding wasting time and money.

Call a Locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys the best thing you can do if you lose your only car key is contact a locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key lost in car quickly, and also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening again. If you know someone who owns a duplication shop for car keys nearby, it's an alternative but remember that these types of establishments typically require the specific make, model and year of your car key lost replacement in order to duplicate a key correctly.

If your car is an older model, or utilizes a smart key fob, you'll need to go to your dealer for a new replacement. This can be expensive, especially when the dealer needs to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that a professional locksmith will typically offer the same services as a dealership however at only a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith fees or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost key, and some provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your home to help you get back in your car.

It's worth checking the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before choosing a dealer. You should also report your keys to the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will have access to your car without permission. It will also protect you in the event of being robbed or assaulted. The act of reporting your keys lost for car will let police officers be on looking for anyone who might try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from charges of criminality if someone does try to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is to not be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary, enlist a friend or family member to assist.