When you lose something, your first reaction is usually to panic. But that won’t help you find it. Instead, take a deep breath, and let your rational side come back into control. Your first move should be to retrace your steps. Most likely your car keys have simply gone missing somewhere you’ve already been. Look in places like your lawn, bushes, or driveway for the key, and consider if you might have dropped them while going from one place to another, such as getting groceries.

You’ll also want to make sure you haven’t left them in the car or in a bag in the back seat. If you did, you’ll need to call a locksmith for an emergency replacement. You’ll probably have to provide proof that you own the car, such as a copy of your registration or title. The cost of this service is typically included with roadside assistance, so you should never have to pay for it out of pocket.

If you’re missing a traditional metal car key, the process is much simpler. You can typically have a local automotive locksmith duplicate this style of key, and it should only cost you a few dollars. However, if you’re dealing with a smart key fob or a transponder car key, the situation is much more complicated. You’ll need to contact your dealership, and they will probably ask for proof that you own the vehicle in order to pair a new fob with the car. This process can be expensive, but you may be able to claim the cost on your auto insurance policy. lost car key