What to Do When You Lose Both Home and Car Keys Simultaneously
Everyone knows the frustration of losing something important, but what do you do when both your home and car keys are lost simultaneously? This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this challenging situation, ensuring your safety and minimizing costs.
Preparation and Prevention
The best way to handle the loss of keys is to have a solid plan in place. Always make duplicates of your keys and keep them in secure locations. Consider keeping an extra set of car keys at home, hidden in a place only you know about. Alternatively, you can entrust a trusted sibling, friend, or neighbor with an extra home key, or opt for a coded lock system that can be unlocked without a key. This reduces the likelihood of requiring professional services like locksmithing.
Immediate Actions: If Keys are Truly Lost
When you realize your keys are gone, immediately check everywhere you might have left them. If you can’t find them, the next steps will be more costly and involved.
Calling the Police: If you decide to break into your home or car, call the police for assistance. They can help with this legally and safely. Be sure to report the loss of keys and request a copy of the police report; you may need this documentation in the future, especially if you’re dealing with insurance claims or other legal matters.
Secure Your Home and Car
Changing Locks: Changing the locks on your home is crucial to prevent unauthorized access. Hire a locksmith to rekey your home and replace lost keys. Similarly, have your car recoded to ensure the lost key can no longer function. This step is vital for maintaining your home and vehicle’s security.
Long-term Security Measures: Consider setting up a coded lock system or using a keyless entry system. These modern solutions can enhance your security and reduce the risk of key loss in the future. Additionally, if you have a safety deposit box at the bank, storing your key set there is a good idea for emergencies.
Relieving Immediate Stress: Breaking a Window or Door
If your keys are truly lost, breaking a window or door might seem like the only option. However, this approach is expensive and risky. If you have emergency roadside assistance through services like AAA, inquire if locksmith services are included as part of your package. Even if not, you may still receive a discount. Before breaking any windows or doors, consider calling the police and the locksmith to assess the situation and assist you.
Final Steps: Rekeying and Safety
Sit on your porch or in a local coffee shop and call a locksmith. They will come to your home to rekey your house and car. Schedule a meeting at your office to rekey the office door. With new keys on hand, the old lost keys become useless and cannot open doors anymore. You will be safe, having avoided unnecessary costs for window repairs and door replacements.
By taking the time to prepare and act quickly, you can safeguard your property and maintain peace of mind.