It may feel convenient to keep a spare key inside your car — just in case you ever lock yourself out. But what seems like a wise backup plan is, in fact, an open invitation for car thieves. Today’s criminals know exactly where to focus their attention and can get into your car — and out of it — within seconds without having to break into it. While leaving a spare key in your car may seem like a risk worth taking, it is also among the simplest, laziest ways to leave your vehicle in the hands of a thief. In this article, we’ll explain why this habit is a grave mistake, and what you can do instead to keep your car safe. Be prepared and secure your spare key with www.accessfobs.co.uk.
Higher Chances of Robbery and Burglary
Keeping a spare car key in your vehicle may seem convenient, but it exposes you to a risk of theft and burglary that many people don’t realise. With the increase in car thefts in urban areas, criminals are more savvy these days and tend to target vehicles that show signs of being easily accessible. An extra key stashed in your glove compartment or under a floor mat is like rolling out the red carpet for thieves, who can easily gain access to your car and drive away undetected.
This neglect has further reaching consequences than simply losing your car. Some thieves do not only stop at taking a vehicle; they raid the items inside of it, which can include valuables, personal identification, or a garage door opener that gives them access to your house. That can compromise your personal space and security, so we really need to rethink how we store spare keys. With a little proactive approximation, such as utilising smart technology or making an investment in a safe key storage solution, you can significantly reduce the chance of theft and keep your personal security in your own hands.
Susceptibility to Accidental Lockouts
While it might be not uncommon — even merely an innocent convenience — to leave a spare car key in your vehicle, it’s a den of inadvertent lockouts that can rapidly go from inconvenient to infuriating. It’s another scenario altogether — let’s say you step out for just a minute and discover you’ve unwittingly locked yourself out, leaving the spare key sitting staring at you in its hiding spot. This situation is not solely inconvenient; it frequently results in ill-conceived decisions, like calling a locksmith or smashing a window, that can be costly and time-consuming.
Also, this vulnerability is not only personal failures. As technology has become an ever constant presence in our lives, the world of the digital key fob and the smart lock is becoming the norm. When these devices are left in the car, they are vulnerable to theft or unauthorised access, and it can take a single person to gain access. The irony of protecting against theft all while finding ways for others to do just that is compelling. So keeping your spare key tucked away in a safe, easily accessible space outside of your vehicle could help protect you from lockouts and keep your car extra secure. By proving the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
No Keys Left in the Vehicle Alternatives
Rather than leaving a spare key by your vehicle, purchase a higher quality keyless entry. Such systems provide added comfort as well as heightened security since they remove the hazard of standard keys being lost or stolen. With smartphone connectivity, it enables you to access your vehicle from a distance, so that you’re never stuck surfing car floors and shopping for keys while freeing up your keys at home.
A more innovative alternative is to have a trusted friend or family member step in. You maintain security while adding a safety net by providing a spare key to someone you trust. This practice helps in emergencies and creates a sense of community. There are also secure lock boxes specifically for car keys that you can mount in an out-of-sight place on your premises. That makes it easy to access while ensuring your spare key remains out of reach of burglars so that you can have the best of both worlds: convenience and security.
Best Practices for Securely Storing Your Keys
Rather than hiding a spare key under the doormat or a fake rock, invest in a smart lock system that allows you to control who gets in through your smartphone. It removes the need for the physical key and also leaves a digital trail of who accessed the vehicle and when. Many smart locks offer features like temporary access codes, allowing you to give entry to friends and family you trust without compromising your overall security.
If you prefer the old-fashioned route, a well-secured key safe bolted at a private location can be a solid alternative. Choose models with high-security locks and weather-resistant features to prevent unauthorised entry and withstand the elements. In addition, you should always keep your keys out of reach of other valuables; a simple dedicated keychain can minimise the chances of you misplacing your keys or accidentally giving someone else access to your vehicle. Just remember, you want to hide your spare key so well that no one will find it, but you also want to be able to get to it easily in case of an emergency.
Leaving your spare car key in the vehicle may appear convenient, but it dramatically increases the danger of theft and unlawful access. Thieves are always looking for simple targets, and a hidden key might make your vehicle an appealing alternative. You may even find yourself locked out if you misplace your primary key, rendering the spare key worthless. Protecting your vehicle should be a major priority, and taking extra steps can save you trouble in the long run. Always put your extra key in a secure location, and consider investing in a keyless entry system for added security.
