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 small stuff, like keys.

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

Retract Your Steps

There is nothing more difficult than losing your one car key and not being able access your vehicle. You can lose money, time and peace of your mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the only key to your vehicle is to remain calm. Panicking is not going to help you locate your keys more quickly and may make the situation even worse.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you looked at your keys. They might have been lost when you brought your groceries in or you could have put them in your pocket as you were out running an outing. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost keys in a matter of minutes.

If retracing steps doesn't work, try writing every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and may give you an idea of where your keys are. Make sure you check every location you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or under something, and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car

It wasn't too long ago that misplacing, or even losing a car keys was not a huge issue. In the past people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was that was attached to their car. Today, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can take many steps and can cost hundreds of dollars based on the vehicle type and model year. It's important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.

Take your time before you panic about losing your car key. Try to remain calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can start working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and consider when you last had the keys in your palm. 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 don't even see them.

Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay particular attention to the places you normally place them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or placed them on your dashboard after you exited your car to go to the store.

Examine https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/replace-lost-car-keys-near-me/ , pockets and bags. It's easy to overlook something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so make sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.

If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have a traditional metal key without any electronic components, you can request an instant replacement. If you have a key fob with a chip and a more recent model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.

Make sure you are aware of your hide spots

It's easy to lose your keys when you're busy. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while on the phone, or you lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing many people keep an extra key at their office or home that they can easily locate. If you have an extra key, it is essential to check all of the places where you have previously kept keys. Included in this are obvious places such as a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.

There are also magnetic boxes and mini vaults that you could place on your vehicle to store keys that you don't need. These are ideal to hide keys since they won't fall off when you drive over bumps and can protect your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices have combination locks, so that even if the key to a person they aren't able to access it without your permission.

A fake rock with an inside compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a great option for outdoor spaces, but you should be aware that thieves are often looking for these items. If you decide to use this method you can try using dark duct tape to make it harder for thieves to see.

One last place to look is the hood of your car. If you have an ignition key that opens the gas cap and the hood, this is a great spot to hide it because it won't be as visible. Just be sure to 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 keys missing from your car in your daily routine. By taking a moment to reverse your steps by scouring all of the most common hiding spots and calling the local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.

Call an expert locksmith

Unless you have a spare set of keys, the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly and will also give you advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone with a duplication shop for car keys nearby, that's a different option however, remember that these types of businesses often need to have the specific make, model and year of your car in order to copy a key correctly.

You'll have to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or uses a smart fob. This can be expensive, especially if the dealer has to purchase a new key for your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.

Many people are unaware that locksmiths can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Insurance policies often provide for locksmith charges or towing 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 in your car.

If you have comprehensive auto insurance, it's worth reviewing your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle for illegal purposes. In the event of a worst-case scenario this could also shield you from charges of criminality should someone attempt to steal your car. It is essential not to panic if you lose your only car keys. Instead, you should follow the steps above and ask for the help of a friend or family member, if needed.