It’s nice to get out more often, whether it’s to socialise or just go for a walk and enjoy the fresh air. However, adventuring outside increases the risk of losing your house keys.
The combination of losing your keys and getting locked out of your house can cause quite a panic. It can also quickly get uncomfortable or frustrating being stuck outside in the heat, cold, or rain.
You might feel embarrassed sitting outside on your doorstep alone. It may also look suspicious if anyone who doesn’t know you walks by and sees you trying to gain entry.
However, if you do get locked out, try to stay calm and follow the steps below. Here’s what to do when you lose your keys.
If no one else can let you in, realising you’ve lost your keys can lead to making rash decisions in the heat of the moment, but don’t try to break into your own property by smashing a window or kicking a door in. The cost of repairing this damage will likely be more expensive than calling a locksmith. You also run the risk of injuring yourself, so it’s really not worth it.
The only possible exception would be if there was an emergency situation, such as a door shutting behind you and locking you out whilst a vulnerable person or infant is left locked in and unattended.
Before doing anything else, check if your house insurance covers key loss or if you have key insurance. Another member of the household may have set this up.
With key insurance, you pay a certain amount a year (or monthly) and are then covered for a specified cost for services such as replacement lock and locksmith charges.
If you don’t have key insurance, then it’s something worth looking into or adding on to your existing house insurance, especially if you’re worried about losing your keys in the future.
Are you able to start a search for your keys? It sounds obvious, but unless you’ve been locked out and left your keys indoors, try retracing your journey before you realised your keys were lost.
Is there anyone you can call? Whether it’s a friend or place you have just visited, someone may have found the keys that you left behind. Does a relative have a spare? If you rent, your landlord should have a backup.
If you went for a walk, it might be worth circling back before you ultimately decide you need professional assistance. The keys could be nearer than you think.
Don’t forget that losing your keys could be a security risk. Can your keys be easily identified or traced back to your home? Perhaps you had your address or a photo on your keychain, or something else that would-be burglars could use to find and access your home?
Regardless of whether your keys can be matched to your home or not, after losing house keys, you may not feel fully secure until the locks have been completely replaced. For peace of mind, you may want to do more than just getting a new key cut, though this will cost more.
It’s worth updating everything in case of a burglary, as lost keys could invalidate your ability to make an insurance claim, especially if there’s no sign of forced entry.
With all the above considered, it’s time to call a locksmith. They can perform repairs, replacements and even an emergency locksmith service so you’re not stuck outside for long or overnight.
Professionals will use methods that are up to date with all the latest in technology, so that they can gain entry back into your home for you without causing unnecessary damage.
Do not call the police or the fire brigade if you are locked out, as this is not their job and wastes their time.
Worried about losing your keys again? Haven’t lost your keys yet but wondering if there’s anything you can do to prevent it? Here are a few ideas…
If you haven’t already done so, get an extra set of keys cut and give one to a trusted neighbour, friend or relative that lives nearby.
Never hide a spare key under a mat, in a plant pot or any other similar method, you can’t be a hundred percent sure that no one has seen you hide the spare key or that a burglar won’t be able to guess and find it.
Investing in smart technology could be the solution to your problems…
You can start small with a smart device like an Apple AirTag or similar gadgets. These tag devices will attach to your key ring and can send out a signal from its location, so that if you lose your keys, you’ll be able to track them down using an app on your phone.
There are other, bigger smart upgrades you can make to your home, such as a ‘smart’ door handle. Some work in a similar way to security doors in office buildings or gyms. Installing a smart door handle will allow you to use a keycode, app on your phone or even your fingerprint to gain access. It’s something worth looking into, especially if you’re a gadget lover.
If you’ve lost your keys or run into any other problems, we specialise in 7 different trades including glazing and locksmith services. Our accredited local experts can respond quickly and in an emergency 24/7 with no callout charge and a free quote.
Just give us a call on 0330 108 4111