How I Lost My Only Car Key Can Be Your Next Big Obsession

What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind of life: kids, errands and work, socializing with friends, etc. Sometimes it's the small stuff like keys.
A new key for all automobiles can be made at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract your Steps
It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to access your vehicle. It could cost you money, time and peace of mind. But the first thing you need to do when you've lost the only car key you have is to remain calm. The stress of panicking will not help you locate your keys any faster, and it can cause more damage.
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 the car to do an run, or they could have been lost when you were taking groceries inside. You can locate your keys by tracing your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will help you to remember where you were and may give you a clue as to where your keys are. Double check every place you wrote down. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or underneath something, and you can pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing a car key was not a big deal. The majority of people had spare keys attached to the car in a small box stuck to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced, keys are more likely now to get lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key can involve several steps and cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of car and year of the model. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your sole car key.
Take a deep breath before you get anxious about losing your one car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control, you can start working through the steps. Follow your steps and try to remember when you last held the keys. It's not uncommon to hold your keys while you reach for other things, and often they end up on the floor of your car, where you don't even see them.
The next step is to thoroughly search your vehicle, particularly the places you normally put them. You might have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your vehicle to go to a store or maybe you walked into your bag to get some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out.
Also, you should examine your purses, pockets and bags. You might forget to check your deep pockets, or large bags.
If you're still unable to locate your keys, you need to contact a locksmith and ask for assistance. If you have an old-fashioned key made of metal that doesn't have electronic components, you can obtain a replacement right away. If you have a key with a chip and an older model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.
Make sure you are aware of your hiding spots
Whether you were in a hurry to get out the door or were distracted trying to eat your sandwich and chat on the phone or you simply lost your keys, it's easy to lose them when you are busy. The good thing is that the majority of people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can easily be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, you need to look over all the places you've previously hidden the keys. Included in this are obvious places like backpacks, purses or a sofa pocket or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. If you have a family member with you, ask them to check these same spots as well.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to be affixed to your car so you can store a spare key in it. These are ideal to hide keys since they won't break when you drive on bumps and will shield your keys from the elements. Many of these storage devices also feature combination locks so that even if the key to a friend they won't be able to open it without your permission.
A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to keep keys hidden. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars often search for these items. If you decide to use this technique, you can make use of a dark duct to make it more difficult for thieves to find.
One final place to check is the hood of your vehicle. If you have an ignition key that opens the gas cap and the hood, this is an ideal spot to hide it as it won't be so obvious. Use a strong tape to prevent the key from coming off or scratching the paint of your vehicle when you remove it.
Lost car keys can be a huge hassle, but there are ways to lessen the impact they have on your daily life. You can find your keys by Retracting Your Steps and looking for the most common hiding places. A local locksmith can save you time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you've lost your car keys You should contact a locksmith. They can help you recover the lost key quickly, and provide you with tips on how to prevent this happening again in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate business. But, they'll need the exact type, make and year of your vehicle to duplicate the key.
You'll need visit your dealer if the car is an older model or is equipped with smart fobs. This can be expensive particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and can take days or even weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can offer the same service for only a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith charges and towing in the event of a lost key or stolen key. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can provide professionals to assist you in getting into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be reviewing your coverage prior to making a decision to purchase from a dealership. It's crucial to report your keys as soon as possible, too. This will help to ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. Notifying your keys will allow police officers to be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone attempts to steal your vehicle. It is important to not be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Instead, supplemental resources should follow the above steps and seek the assistance of a family member if needed.