Never Hide Your House Keys Outside: Risks and Safe Alternatives You Need to Know

Hiding a spare key outside your house may seem like a clever way to ensure you never get locked out, but it’s not as safe as you might think. In fact, hiding a key outside is a practice that should be avoided at all costs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the risks associated with hiding house keys outside and offer some alternative solutions.

Why it’s Never Safe to Hide House Keys Outside

Easy Target for Burglars

Burglars are always on the lookout for easy targets, and a hidden key outside provides just that. Even if you think you’ve hidden the key in a spot that nobody could find, a determined burglar will be able to locate it. With a spare key in hand, they can easily enter your home undetected.

Risk of Misplacement

Hiding a key outside also puts you at risk of misplacing it. If you forget where you’ve hidden the key, you’ll be locked out of your own home. Not only is this inconvenient, but it can also be dangerous if you need to get into your house quickly in an emergency.

Insurance Liability

If you are burglarized and it is discovered that you had a hidden key outside, your insurance company may refuse to pay your claim. They may view hiding a key as negligence on your part and not honor your policy.

Solutions to Avoid Hiding House Keys Outside

Give a Spare Key to a Trusted Neighbor or Friend

One solution to avoid hiding a key outside is to give a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend. Choose someone who lives close by and is home during the day. Make sure they are responsible and won’t lose the key or share it with anyone else.

Install a Smart Lock

Smart locks are a great way to ensure you never get locked out of your own home. With a smart lock, you can control access to your house using your smartphone. You can also give temporary access codes to visitors, such as house cleaners or pet sitters, which can be deactivated when they are no longer needed.

Keyless Entry

Another alternative to hiding a key outside is to install a keyless entry system. These systems use a keypad or biometric scanner to allow entry into your home. They can be programmed with multiple access codes for different family members, so everyone can have their own code.

Conclusion

Hiding a key outside your home may seem like a good idea, but it’s not worth the risks. Instead, consider giving a spare key to a trusted neighbor or friend, installing a smart lock, or using a keyless entry system. With these solutions, you can ensure that you always have access to your home without compromising your safety or security.