Where and Where not to Hide your Spare Car Key

The Backup Spare Car Key

Of items that people may lose or misplace, car keys probably rank high on the list.  Consequently, having a spare car key is more of a necessity than a luxury.

But where should you hide it?

Chicago Car Keys, a reputable auto locksmith, recommends that you use a magnetized lock box to keep your backup key safely hidden and easily accessible.

However, there are other places that are worth considering.  There are also places in which you should never keep your second key.

Below, let’s take a look at the worst and best options to safeguard your spare key.

Worst Places

It may come as a shock to you, but some of the most popular spots to hide your car key are actually the worst.  Below are 4 places where you should never hide your backup key;

1. Your Wallet or Purse
   This is, by far, the worst spot to conceal your emergency key.  If a burglar steals your wallet or purse, not only they would get your cash, credit cards, and even a driver’s license, but they will have access to your car.
2. A Plant Pot near the Front Door
   Whether you are hiding your spare key underneath or inside it, a plant pot is a common place where car thieves look for an extra key.  Actually, anywhere near the front door makes for a bad hiding place for your key.  Why? Because it is where thieves usually look for a key to steal your car or break into your house.
3. Your Car
   Although convenient, having your emergency key inside your car is a bad plan.  This proves true especially if you are locked out of your vehicle.  A spare key does not belong inside your car, simply because when you need it, it is usually because you want to get in your vehicle.
4. Under your Welcome Mat
   This is probably the first place where burglars look for an extra key.  Movies made finding spare keys under a welcome mat a cliché, so avoid hiding your keys in this spot or else your life will become a real-life movie, one with a sad ending.

Best Places

Having gone through the worst bit, it is time to find out where you should hide your spare key to avoid auto theft.  Below is a list of the 4 best places to safeguard your extra key.

Magnetized Lock Box

Obviously, having your extra key underneath your car is great when you are locked out.  The trick here, though, is finding a creative place in which burglars would not look for your key.  To do so, you need to go through the usual hiding spots first, discard them all, and then think of a spot in which someone is unlikely to search for a hidden lockbox.

Trusted Person

This someone could be your neighbor, friend, or family member.  A good benefit is the added security; a burglar would almost always think the key belongs to someone else, so they will never think of using it to access your car.  Also, this is a good option if you lock yourself out of your car because that person you kept your spare key can bring it to you.

Safe

It is always a good idea to keep your extra key somewhere safe, so what is a better place than a safe or a safety deposit box?  Keeping your key locked up ensures that it will not get in a burglar’s hands.  Make sure you remember the combination or where the key for your safe is, otherwise, you too will not be able to access your extra key.

Dog House

Thieves and dogs have sworn enemies; therefore, a burglar is unlikely to look for a spare key inside or underneath a dog house.  With that in mind, it is a good idea to take advantage of the natural animosity between the two.  If you needed another reason to know why dogs are man’s best friend, this is yet another one.

The Bottom Line

A spare car key can be a life-saver during times of urgency.  Consequently, keeping it in a secure location is a priority.  If you do not have a spare key, it might be a good idea to pay a visit to a professional auto locksmith to get a duplicate.

Choose where you hide your spare key carefully; it is best to avoid all the common hiding spots.  Chances are, car burglars, know about them too, so do not make it easy for thieves to rob your car.

Despite it being an issue nowadays, hiding your spare key may become a thing of the past in the near future.  Technology is advancing at such a fast rate that we may see the day where we no longer need physical keys to operate our vehicles.

From mobile apps to voice recognition, there is an array of alternatives that could replace traditional keys in the next few decades, eliminating the need for a spare car key.

Chicago Car Keys are the experts you can trust for help with your car keys. Call (773) 521 7000 or visit us at 4346 W 51st St, Chicago, IL 60632, United States.