What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
Things are lost in the whirlwind of life including kids, errands, work socializing with friends etc. Sometimes replacing lost car keys 's the little things such as keys.
A new key for most cars can be made in the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a low-cost alternative.
Retract your steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able to access your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. The first thing to do in the event that you lose the only key to your car is to be calm. The stress of panicking isn't going to help you locate your keys quicker, and it could even make the situation worse.
Begin by trying to remember the last time you seen them. It could be as easy as them being in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to go on an run, or they could be missing while taking groceries inside. The process of retracing your steps will help you find your lost keys in no time at all.
If trying to retrace your steps doesn't work, you can try writing down all of the places you have been throughout the day. This can jiggle your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. After you've written down all possible spots your keys could be, double check each place again. Sometimes keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them right where you left them.

Look Inside Your Car
It wasn't too long ago that misplacing or losing, a car key was not a huge issue. A majority of people had a spare connected to their car in a little box attached to the inside of the bumper. However, as cars get more technologically advanced keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a lost or stolen car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars based on the type of vehicle and model year. This is why it's crucial to have a backup plan in the event that you lose your only car key.
Before you begin to panic about losing your car's only key take your breath and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to locate it. Follow your steps and try to remember the last time you held your keys. It's not uncommon to juggle your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where you don't even see them.
The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the areas where you typically put them. You may have left them on the dashboard when you stepped out of your car to go into a store or maybe you walked into your bag to grab some snacks, but accidentally knocked them out of there.
You should also look through your purses, pockets and bags. It's easy to forget about something in the deep pockets of your coat, or in a large bag, so be sure to empty them out and carefully examine every crevice.
Contact a locksmith if you can't find your keys. If you own an old-fashioned metal key that has no electronic components, a locksmith will typically make you an entirely new key on the spot. However, if you've got a more modern key fob that has a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.
Check Your Hide Spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out the door or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich and chat on the phone or you simply forgot your keys it's easy to lose keys when you're distracted. The good news is that most people have a spare key that they keep in their house or office that can be found in the right spot. If you have an extra key, you need to check all of the places where you have previously hidden keys. Included in this are obvious places like a purse, backpack or a pocket on the sofa or a pile on your desk, or in a dresser drawer. Ask a friend to do the same.
There are magnetic boxes as well as mini vaults that you can place on your car to store your spare keys. They are ideal for hiding keys because they won't fall off by accident when you drive over a bump, and they will also protect your key from the elements. A lot of these storage units come with combination locks, which means even if someone has access to the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your assistance.
A fake rock with an inside compartment is another popular trick to conceal keys. This is a good option for outdoor areas. However, you should be aware of the fact that burglars are often looking for these items. If you choose to employ this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it difficult for thieves to spot.
Another place to look is the hood of your vehicle. This is a good place to conceal keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be seen. Just 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 try to remove it.
There are ways to minimize the impact of keys lost in your car on your day-to-day life. By taking a few seconds to retract your steps and scouring the most frequent hiding spots and calling a local locksmith to locate your keys and avoid wasting any money or time.
Call for a locksmith
Unless you 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 call locksmith. They can assist you in retrieving the key quickly, and also be able advise you on how to prevent this from happening in the future. You can also try contacting an auto key duplicate company. However, they'll need the exact make, model, and year of your vehicle to duplicate a key.
You'll need to visit your dealer if the car is an older model or has an electronic fob. This can be expensive in particular if the dealer has to obtain a new key to your vehicle. It could also take days or weeks.
Many people are unaware that a locksmith can provide the same service at a fraction the cost of a dealership. Most insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost key or stolen keys. Some even offer roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to assist you with getting into your car.
If you have comprehensive automobile insurance, it's worth looking over your coverage prior to choosing a dealership. It's important to notify your keys as quickly as you can. This will ensure that your vehicle is not used without permission and you are protected in the event of a robbery or assault. The act of reporting your keys will let police officers be on watch for anyone trying to use your vehicle illegally. In the event of a worst-case scenario, you could be protected from criminal charges in the event that someone attempts to steal your vehicle. The most important thing to keep in mind when you lose your only car key is that you should never be in a panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to assist.