The Importance of Having Duplicate House Keys
That’s why one of the simplest and smartest things you can do as a homeowner or renter is to have duplicate house keys.
Accidents Happen — Be Ready
It’s easy to assume you’ll always remember your keys, but life is unpredictable. You might:
- Lock yourself out while checking the mail
- Drop your keys somewhere without noticing
- Break a key in the lock
- Lose your purse or backpack that held your only key
When any of these things happen, having a duplicate key nearby can be a lifesaver. You avoid being stranded, calling a locksmith, or breaking a window to get back in.
Avoid the Cost of Emergency Locksmiths
Getting locked out often leads to calling an emergency locksmith, which can cost you anywhere from $75 to $250 or more, especially during nights, weekends, or holidays. That’s a hefty price to pay for something that could’ve been prevented.
Having a spare key:
- Saves you money
- Reduces wait times
- Avoids damaging your property trying to get back in
Think of duplicate keys as cheap insurance for your home security and convenience.
Convenience for Family and Friends
If you live with family or roommates, it’s essential that everyone has access to the home—especially during emergencies. Maybe your child forgets their key at school, or your spouse comes home early from work.
Having extra keys also allows you to:
- Give access to trusted friends or neighbors when you're out of town
- Let someone check on your pets or water your plants
- Have a backup if someone misplaces theirs
This level of flexibility brings peace of mind and prevents the hassle of coordinating schedules just to get inside.
Emergency Preparedness
In emergencies, time matters. If you or a family member gets locked out during bad weather, late at night, or when the neighborhood is less safe, having access to a duplicate key can reduce risk and increase security.
You don't want to be stuck:
- Outside in a rainstorm
- At night with no way in
- With children or pets waiting in the car
A duplicate key placed wisely can make all the difference in these moments.
Helpful for Maintenance and Repairs
Sometimes you need to let plumbers, electricians, pest control, or home cleaners into your home while you’re at work or unavailable.
Rather than taking time off or rearranging your schedule, a spare key allows someone you trust to access the house on your behalf.
Just remember to choose reliable professionals or family/friends you fully trust before handing over a key.
Avoiding Lock Damage
If you’re ever locked out and don’t have a spare, you might be tempted to force the lock, use a credit card, or try DIY techniques. These methods often do more harm than good.
Damaging your lock or door in an attempt to break in can cost more than just hiring a locksmith. It might also make your home less secure in the long run.
Having a duplicate key avoids:
- Costly repairs
- Security vulnerabilities
- Personal injury from unsafe break-in attempts
Peace of Mind When Traveling
Whether you're gone for a weekend or a few weeks, having someone trustworthy with a duplicate key can help in many ways:
- Check for mail or packages
- Water plants or feed pets
- Respond in case of a home emergency (like leaks or alarms)
Travel with confidence knowing someone you trust can step in if needed.
What to Consider When Making Duplicate Keys
Before you go out and make ten copies of your house key, consider these important tips:
Choose a reputable locksmith or hardware store
Poorly cut keys can damage your lock or simply not work at all. Always use a professional with experience.
Don’t over-distribute your duplicates
Only give keys to people you absolutely trust. The more keys that exist, the more risk there is of misuse.
Label keys discreetly
Avoid labeling a key with your full address. If it’s ever lost, this becomes a serious security threat.
Consider a key lockbox or smart key safe
Instead of giving someone a key permanently, consider hiding a lockbox with a code in a discreet location.
What About Keyless Entry Systems?
If your home uses electronic locks or smart entry systems, you may not need a physical duplicate—but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.
Make sure:
- A backup method exists in case of power failure or dead batteries
- Multiple trusted users have access codes
- You understand how to reset or override your system if needed
Technology is great, but traditional keys still serve as a reliable backup when all else fails.
What to Do If You Lose a Key
If you lose your main or duplicate key and don’t know where it is:
- Consider changing the locks, especially if the key was labeled
- Inform family members so they can be cautious
- Update your list of who has access to your home
Safety always comes first. It’s better to replace a lock than take the chance of unauthorized entry.