What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key<br /><br /><br /><br />In the chaos of life - kids, errands socializing with friends, and work things are lost. Sometimes it's the little things like keys.<br /><br />For most cars keys, a new one can be purchased at the local hardware store, along with proof of ownership (car registration or title). This is a cost-effective option.<br /><br />Retract Your Steps<br /><br />It is frustrating to lose your sole car keys and not be able to enter your vehicle. It can cost you money, time and peace of mind. However, the first thing you should do when you lose your only car key is to stay calm. Stressing yourself out won't help you locate your keys quicker and could make the situation even worse.<br /><br />Start by trying to remember when you last had your keys. You might have lost them when you brought groceries in or perhaps you put them in your pocket while you were out running an run. It is possible to locate your keys by tracing your steps.<br /><br />If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down all the places you visited throughout the day. This will help you remember where you went and could provide you with clues as to where your keys are. Double check every place you recorded. Sometimes, keys "drift" to the floor, side or even under something and you might just be in a position to retrieve them exactly where you left them.<br /><br />Check Inside Your Car<br /><br />In the past the idea of losing or misplacing a car key wasn't a big issue. Most people had a spare key that was attached to the car in a small container stuck to the inside of the bumper. Nevertheless, as cars become more technologically advanced keys are more likely to disappear. Replacing a stolen or lost car key could require multiple steps and could cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of vehicle and the year of manufacture. It is important to always have a spare key for your car in case you lose the original.<br /><br />Before you start freaking out about losing your sole car key Take an exhale and try to remain calm. Once you've got your emotions under control, you can work through the steps to find it. First, retrace your steps and reflect on when you last held the keys in your palm. <a href="https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/bedford-auto-locksmiths-near-me/">lost key for car</a> to juggle keys while you reach for something else, and they may end up on the floor where you cannot be able to see them.<br /><br />The next thing to do is to thoroughly search through your vehicle, particularly the places where you usually put them. You might have accidentally thrown the items out of your bag, or put them on your dashboard when you left your vehicle to go to a store.<br /><br />Also, you should examine your purses, pockets, and bags. It's easy to forget about things in the deep pockets of your coat or a large bag, so make sure to empty them and look carefully through every crevice.<br /><br />If you still can't find your keys, you need to call a locksmith for help. If you have a traditional metal key that doesn't have electronic components, you can get an immediate replacement. However, if you've got a modernized key fob that includes a chip, you'll need to contact your dealer and possibly provide evidence of ownership to obtain an exchange.<br /><br />Be aware of your hiding spots<br /><br />It's easy to forget your keys when you're working. It doesn't matter if you were rushing to leave, distracted by a sandwich while you talked on the phone, or you forgot them, it is easy to lose keys. It's a good thing that most people keep an extra key in their home or workplace that they can easily locate. It is important to check every place where you've put your spare key. This includes obvious places like a purse or backpack or a pocket on the sofa, a pile of mail on your table, or a drawer on your dresser. Request a friend to do the same.<br /><br />There are also several magnetic boxes and mini-vaults that are designed to stick onto your car so you can keep a spare key inside it. They are great for hiding keys since they won't fall off when you drive on bumps and will protect your key against the elements. Many of these storage units come with combination locks, which means that even if a friend gets the key and opens the door, they won't be in a position to open the door without your assistance.<br /><br />A fake rock with an enclosed compartment is another popular trick to hide keys. This is a great option for outdoor areas. However, it is important to be aware that burglars often search for these items. If you do decide to use this method make sure you use dark duct tape to make it more difficult for thieves to see.<br /><br />One last place to look is the hood of your vehicle. If you have a key that opens the cap for gas and the hood, this is the perfect spot to conceal it as it won't be so obvious. Use a tape that is strong to stop the key from falling off or scratching the paint on your vehicle when you remove it.<br /><br />Lost car keys can be a major hassle, but there are ways to reduce their impact on your daily life. You can locate your keys by retracing Your steps and examining the most common hiding places. Contacting a locksmith in your area can also help you avoid wasting time and money.<br /><br />Contact a locksmith<br /><br />If you've lost your car keys, you should call a locksmith. They can help you retrieve it quickly, and also be able to guide you on ways to prevent this from happening in the future. You could also contact the local key duplication company. However, they'll require the exact model, brand, model and year of your car to duplicate a key.<br /><br />If your car is a newer model, or uses a smart key fob you'll need to visit your dealer to request a replacement. This can be costly, especially when the dealer must order a new key for your vehicle. It can also take days or even weeks.<br /><br />One thing that a lot of people don't know is that a professional locksmith can usually offer the same services as dealers however at less cost. A lot of insurance policies cover locksmith costs and towing in case of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance, which can send professionals to you to help you get into your vehicle.<br /><br />It is important to check the coverage of your comprehensive auto insurance before selecting the dealer. It is also important to report your keys to the police immediately if you can. This ensures that no one else can have access to your car without permission. It is also a way to protect yourself in case you're ever attacked or robbed. By notifying your keys, you also notify police of anyone who is trying to access your car illegally. In the worst case scenario you could be protected from criminal charges if someone tries to steal your vehicle. It is essential not to be frightened if you lose your only car keys. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to help.<br /><br />