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

What to Do If You Lose Your Only Car Key
In the whirlwind of life - kids, errands, work and socializing with friends - things are lost. Sometimes it's the smallest things such as keys.
A new key for most automobiles can be created at the local hardware store if you have proof of ownership. This is a cheap alternative.
Retract your Steps
There is nothing more frustrating than losing your only car key and not being able get in your vehicle. You may lose time, money and peace of mind. However, the first thing you must do when you lose the only car key you have is to stay calm. Doing your best to panic will not help you find your keys more quickly and may cause more damage.
Begin by attempting to remember the last time you saw your keys. It could be as simple as having them in your pocket as you stepped out of the car to go on an errand, or they may have been dropped while carrying groceries into the house. You can locate your keys by retracing your steps.
If retracing steps doesn't work try writing down all the places you visited during the day. This will trigger your memory and give you the clue you need to locate your keys. Double check every place you wrote down. You may find keys "drift" on the floor, side or under something, and you'll be able to pick them up exactly where you left them.
Take a look inside Your Car
Not so long ago, misplacing--or even losing--a car key wasn't a big deal. In the past, most people kept a spare key in a small, tin-like box that was connected to their car. Nowadays, however, cars are getting more technologically advanced and keys are more likely to be lost. Replacing a stolen or lost car key may require a number of steps and could cost you hundreds of dollars, based on the type of vehicle and the year of its model. It's important to always have a spare car key in the event that you lose your original.
Take lost vehicle key before you start worrying about losing your car key. Try to stay calm. Once you have your emotions under control you can begin working through the steps. First, retrace your steps and consider the last time you held keys in your palm. It's not unusual to carry your keys while you grab other items, and sometimes they end in the back of your car where they aren't visible.
Next, thoroughly search your vehicle. Pay special attention to the places you normally put them. You may have accidentally knocked the items out of your bag, or put them on your car's dashboard when you exited your car to go into a store.
Also, you should examine your purses, pockets, and bags. You may forget to check your deep pockets or large bags.
If you still can't find your keys, it's time to call a locksmith and ask for help. If you have an old-fashioned metal key with no electronic components, you can obtain an instant replacement. If you have a key with chip and is it is a newer model, you will have to contact the dealer to get a new one.
Be aware of your hiding spots
It doesn't matter if you were in a hurry to get out of the house or were distracted trying to eat a sandwich or chat on the phone or even lost your keys, it's easy to lose keys when you're working. The good news is that a lot of people have a spare key they keep in their home or office that can easily be located in the correct spot. If you have a spare key, it is important to look over all the places you've previously stored them. This includes obvious places like a purse, backpack, a sofa pocket or even a stack on your desk, or even a dresser drawer. Have a friend do the same.
There are also magnetic boxes and mini-vaults made to attach to your vehicle so that you can store a spare key in it. These are great for hiding keys as they can't be knocked off accidentally when you drive over bumps and they also shield your keys from the elements. A lot of these storage units have combination locks, so even if someone has access to the key but they aren't in a position to open the door without your help.
A fake rock with a hidden compartment is another way to conceal keys. This is a great idea for outdoor areas, but it is important to be aware that burglars are often on the lookout for these items. If you decide to use this method, you can employ a dark duct tap to make it harder for thieves to see.
The hood is the final location to check. This is a good place to hide keys for the gas cap if you have one. It won't be noticeable. Just be sure to use a heavy-duty piece of tape to ensure the key won't fall off or scratch the paint on your car when you go to take it out.
Car keys lost can be a major hassle however, there are ways to lessen the impact on your daily life. You can find your keys by retracing Your steps and examining the most likely hiding spots. Contacting a locksmith in your area will also save you time and money.
Contact a locksmith
If you don't have a spare set of keys stashed in a safe place the best thing to do in the event that you lose your car keys is to contact locksmith. They can help you retrieve the key quickly and give you advice on how to avoid this happening again in the future. If you know someone who has a car key duplication shop nearby, that's another option but remember that these types of establishments usually require the specific model, make and year of your car in order to duplicate keys correctly.
You'll have to visit your dealer if your vehicle is an older model or has a smart fob. This can be costly particularly if they have to purchase the correct key for your vehicle and it could take a few days or even weeks.
Most people aren't aware that a locksmith can provide the same service for a fraction the cost of a dealership. Many insurance policies cover locksmith fees and towing in case of a lost or stolen key. Some even provide roadside assistance that can send professionals to you to help you get into your car.
If you have comprehensive auto insurance, you should be checking your coverage before deciding to go with a dealership. It's important to report your keys as soon as you can. This helps to ensure that no one else can have access to your car without permission, and it also keeps you safe in case you're ever victimized by a robber or attacked. Notifying 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 take your vehicle. The most important thing to remember when losing your only car key is that you shouldn't be in a state of panic. Follow the steps above and, if necessary ask a friend or family member to assist.