Why All The Fuss? I Lost My Only Car Key?

What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key

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

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

Retract your steps

There is nothing more painful than losing your sole car key and not being able access your vehicle. It could cost you time, money and peace of mind. The first thing you should do when you lose the only key to your car is to stay calm. Panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys faster, and could even make things worse.

Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. It could be as simple as them being in your pocket when you got out of the car to go on an appointment, or they might be missing while taking groceries inside. You can locate your keys by following your steps.

If retracing steps isn't working try writing down every place you went to throughout the day. This will help you to remember where you went and could provide you with a clue as to where your keys are. Once you've written down all possible places your keys could be, examine each location. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath 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 keys was not a major issue. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a small container attached to the inside of the bumper. Nowadays, however, vehicles are becoming more technologically advanced and that means the keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of car and the year of the model. It's important to always have a spare key for your car in case you lose your original.

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 working through the steps. Retrace your steps, and try to remember when you last held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you reach for other items, and sometimes they end on the floor of your car where you don't even see them.

Then, go through your vehicle. Pay special attention to the areas where you normally put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or left them on your dashboard when you exited your car to go into the store.

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

Contact a locksmith when you're unable to locate your keys. If you have an old-fashioned metal key without any electronic components, you can request an immediate replacement. If you have a key fob that has chips and is a more recent model, you'll need to contact the dealership to obtain a new one.

Be aware of your hiding spots

It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. Whether you were rushing how to replace lost car key leave or distracted by a sandwich while talking on the phone, or simply lost them, it's easy to lose them. It's a good thing most people keep an extra key at their home or workplace which they can quickly locate. If you have an extra key, it is important to examine all places you've previously kept the keys. This includes obvious places like a backpack or purse or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on the table, or even a drawer in your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.

There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults designed to attach to your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. These are great for hiding keys as they aren't able to be smashed off by accident when you drive over bumps and they also shield your key from the elements. A lot of these storage devices feature combination locks so that even if you hand the key to a person they won't be able to open it without your permission.

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 will often look for these items. If you do decide to employ this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.

Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. This is a good place to hide a key for the gas cap, if you have one. It won't be seen. Be sure to make use of a sturdy piece of tape to ensure that the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you attempt to take it out.

Car keys lost a car key can be a major hassle, but there are ways to lessen the impact on your daily life. By taking a moment to retract your steps, checking all of the most commonly used hiding places and calling 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 you can 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 guide you on ways to prevent this from happening in the future. You can also try contacting a local car key duplication business. But, they'll require the exact type, make and year of your car to duplicate the key.

If your car is an older model, or if it uses an electronic key fob, you'll need to visit your dealer for a replacement. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your car and it could take a few days or even weeks.

One thing that a lot of people don't realize is that an experienced locksmith can typically offer the same services as a dealership however at a fraction of the cost. Many insurance policies also cover locksmith costs or towing costs in the event of a stolen or lost car key what to do car keys cost (made my day) key, and some provide roadside assistance and send professionals to your home to help you get back in your vehicle.

It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance prior to choosing a dealer. It is also important to notify the police as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else will be able to access your vehicle without your permission, and is also a way to protect yourself in the event that you are ever robbed or assaulted. By declaring your keys, you will also inform police about anyone who may try to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario, it could also protect you from prosecution in the event that someone tries to take your vehicle. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose your car keys. Follow the steps above and, if you need to, enlist a friend or family member to help.