Why and where best keep your spare keys

Keeping a spare key outside your house can be helpful in case you accidentally lock yourself out of your home or apartment. It provides a quick and easy solution to regain access without having to call a locksmith or break a window.

Having a spare key outside can also be useful in case of an emergency, such as if someone inside the house becomes injured or ill and needs immediate medical attention. In this situation, a family member or neighbour who has access to the spare key can quickly enter the house to provide assistance.

However, it's important to keep in mind that leaving a spare key outside your house can also be risky. If the key is easily accessible, such as hidden under a doormat or in an obvious location, it can be easily found and used by someone with ill intentions, such as a burglar.

Therefore, if you choose to keep your keys outside your house, make sure it is in a secure and hidden location, and only share the location with trusted family members or friends. You can also consider using a lockbox safe or smart lock that requires a unique code or key fob to access the spare key.

Why is it risky to keep a spare key outside

Keeping a spare key outside can be risky because it makes it easier for someone with bad intentions to gain access to your home. If the spare key is in an obvious location, such as under a doormat or flower pot, it can be easily found by burglars or other criminals. This can put your home and your belongings at risk of theft or damage.

Even if the key is hidden, there is still a risk that someone could stumble upon it or observe you retrieving it, and use it to gain access to your home. This is especially true if you live in a high-traffic area or have neighbours who may notice someone acting suspiciously around your property.

Another risk of keeping a spare key outside is that it can invalidate your insurance coverage in case of a burglary. Many home insurance policies require that there is evidence of forced entry in order to cover the cost of stolen or damaged property. If a burglar is able to enter your home using a spare key, your insurance company may not cover the losses.

For these reasons, it's generally not recommended to keep a spare key outside your home. Instead, consider giving a spare key to a trusted family member, friend, or neighbour, or installing a smart lock or other keyless entry systems that can be accessed remotely or using a unique code. If you do decide to keep a spare key outside, make sure it is well-hidden and only share the location with trusted individuals.

Best hiding spots

Keeping a spare key can be a helpful solution in case you get locked out of your house or apartment. However, it's important to choose a safe and secure spot to keep your spare key. Here are some options:

1. With a trusted neighbour or friend - This is a popular option as it provides a secure location and is easily accessible if you need it. Make sure you choose someone you trust and who is available during the times you may need to access your spare key.
   
2. In a lockbox safe - A lockbox is a small, secure container that can be attached to your door or hidden nearby. You can set a combination code for the lockbox and share the code with someone you trust. This option is particularly useful if you live alone or don't have any nearby neighbours you trust.
   
3. In a hidden location - You can choose a hidden location near your door to stash your spare keys, such as a fake rock, a hollowed-out book, or a magnetic key holder. However, make sure the location is not too obvious or easily accessible to others.
   
   Here are some options:
   
   • Fake rock or landscaping - You can purchase a fake rock or make one yourself by painting a real rock to look like it blends in with your landscaping. Place the rock in a hidden location near your door, such as under a bush or behind a planter.
   • Hollowed-out book - You can hollow out a book to create a secret compartment for your spare key. Choose a book that looks inconspicuous and place it on a bookshelf near your door.
   • Magnetic key holder - You can purchase a magnetic key holder that can be attached to a metal surface, such as the underside of a metal mailbox or a metal railing. Just make sure it's in a hidden location.
   • In a fake sprinkler head - You can purchase a fake sprinkler head that has a hidden compartment for your keys. Place it in your landscaping near your door.
     
4. At your workplace - If your workplace is nearby, you can keep your spare key there. Just make sure you have permission from your employer and keep the key in a secure location.
   
5. Digital options - There are also digital options available, such as smart locks that allow you to grant access to your home remotely or keyless entry systems that use a PIN code or fingerprint.

No matter which option you choose, it's important to make sure your spare key is secure and accessible to you when needed.

Remember that no matter where you choose to hide your spare key, it's important to make sure it's not too obvious and that it's in a secure location that only you and trusted family members or friends know about.