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Spare Keys: Why They’re a Blessing and a Curse

Spare keys are one of those things you never think you need until you really need them. They’re a lifesaver when you’re locked out of your house or car, but they can also be a major headache if you ever lose them. Before you decide for sure if you want to make a set of spare keys, weigh the options below to see if they’re right for you.

The front door of a house with a staircase and flower pots.

Prevent Lockouts

If you lose your primary set of keys, that spare set can save you the stress of trying to find a quick and urgent solution. Having those spares already on hand is a ready-made answer to any issue that could cause you to be locked out of your home or car.

This is the primary reason many people keep spare keys in an easy-to-access location. The peace of mind in knowing you have the backup ready in case of emergency leads many to create copies of their keys. It’s always good to have a plan B.

In some situations, the lockouts might not affect just you. If you’re selling your home, giving a spare set of keys to potential buyers, real estate agents, or titling companies is often a requirement that necessitates getting a spare set made.

Share Keys With Loved Ones

Many people also share a spare key with family members or friends. Someone nearby who can help if you’re ever locked out is another worthwhile option to consider when deciding whether to take the spare key leap. 

On top of that, sharing your spare keys is a convenient way to let a trusted contact into your home without having to be there yourself. Vacations or just running late on the way home from the office can be excellent chances to have someone else step in and take care of an important time-based obligation, such as feeding pets or being present for a home service technician. And, if you have kids who are able to walk home from school or share a ride with a friend, that spare key can get them back inside.

But there are some other considerations that have to be present in your mind when deciding whether to make a set of spare keys.

A key on a keyring in front of a miniature model house.

A Pain to Keep Track Of

Extra keys create extra opportunities, both good and bad. While having a spare set of keys can be a great backup plan, house and car keys rank among the most common items lost every week by Americans. If you’re prone to misplacing things, you may find yourself losing your spare keys just as easily as your primary set.

It can be a nightmare trying to find a lost set of keys. For this reason, many people invest in a key organizer or an electronic tag that lets them track and locate their keys. And the good news is that, if you do lose your keys, a new lock installation will keep your home safe and secure.

Potential Security Risk

Spare house keys are often hidden under a doormat or inside a fake rock amongst the landscaping. While it’s certainly a good idea to hide a spare key if it’s being kept outside, these common hiding spots are prime targets for unwanted attention. If you can find an idea for a hiding spot for your spare keys with a Google search, so can anyone else. 

A better option would be to hide the spare key inside a lock box, ensuring the key is well hidden and out of sight. If the lock box is one with a combination, this has the added benefit of still providing easy access for friends or family to use your spare key if they need to while keeping out intruders. 

Overall, spare keys can be a helpful tool or a potential liability. It’s important to consider the pros and cons before deciding whether or not to make and keep a spare set of keys.

A digital code combination lock panel.

Handle the What-Ifs With Pop-A-Lock

In the worst-case scenario of being locked out of your home or vehicle without a spare key on hand, Pop-A-Lock offers high-quality lockout services to get you back in and on your way. If you’re stuck outside, don’t hesitate and contact us to get a tech sent out right away!