Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Alan Weir
Finding the perfect solution for storing a spare car key can be more important than one might think. Imagine hastily heading out for the day only to realise you misplaced your primary key. Having a spare on hand can save you a world of hassle, but the art of storing it securely, so it remains accessible yet safe, requires a bit of thought and creativity. Trust me, as a seasoned car locksmith, I’ve seen it all.
First things first, let’s talk about reasons someone might need a spare key. If you’re like most people, you probably have a busy lifestyle; juggling work commitments, family obligations, and a social life often leads to misplaced keys. Additionally, it’s always handy to provide a spare for a partner or family member. In emergencies, having quick access to a second key can be a genuine lifesaver. So, with that in mind, let’s explore the best ways to store that spare key safely and effectively.
Keep It Away from Home
Many people gravitate towards leaving a spare key under a rock, flower pot, or inside the mailbox. While the idea is certainly tempting—most of us have left a key in a ‘secret’ location at some point—these spots have become cliché over the years. Experienced thieves know where to look. Instead, think creatively about where to keep a spare key that can’t be easily spotted.
Consider a trusted neighbour or a close friend. You might be surprised how many people are willing to help out. This creates a reciprocal relationship where you can also look after their spare keys. Choose someone who lives nearby and who you trust implicitly. It’s a foolproof way of keeping your spare key secure while ensuring it’s accessible when you truly need it.
Use a Lockbox
If having someone else keep your spare key just doesn’t sit right with you, consider investing in a strong, weatherproof lockbox. These cleverly designed containers can be mounted or hidden in a discreet location around your property. The beauty of a lockbox is that it keeps your key secure while still allowing quick access, providing peace of mind. Look for lockboxes that come with a combination or Bluetooth feature; this way, you eliminate the anxiety of losing another physical key.
When choosing a lockbox, be sure that it’s well-camouflaged and not obvious. You don’t want to give away the secret location with something that stands out. A well-placed rock or maybe a “fake sprinkler” can do wonders in disguising the lockbox’s true identity.
Magnetic Key Holders
If you’re hunting for a more innovative solution, why not consider a magnetic key holder? These nifty gadgets are perfect for attaching to your vehicle in a concealed spot. They’re designed to blend seamlessly with your car’s underbelly or inside a wheel well, making it nearly impossible for an outsider to discover. However, always ensure that it’s secure and won’t fall off while you’re driving. After all, losing a spare key on the road would completely defeat the purpose.
Just a quick note: be cautious about placing it in areas that are too close to electronic components. Some car keys have chips inside them, and certain magnets can interfere with their functionality.
Smart Key Storage
In a world where technology reigns supreme, why not embrace it? Consider using a smartphone app designed for key management. These apps allow you to generate and store digital key codes, which can unlock your car via your phone. While this doesn’t directly store your physical key, during instances where you don’t need the actual key, it serves as a brilliant alternative. Just don’t forget to keep your phone charged and readily accessible!
The Old-Fashioned Way: Safe and Secure at Home
If you still prefer the traditional route, a safe can be an ideal storage solution for spare keys. Safes add a layer of protection that’s hard to beat, making it exceedingly difficult for unwanted individuals to gain access. Ensure your safe is bolted down or cleverly concealed.
While it may be tempting to stick the spare key in the same drawer where you store all your other keys, resist! This is usually the first place someone would check during a break-in. The more obscure the location, the better.
Hide It in Plain Sight
Consider hiding your spare key in plain sight within your home. Certain household items can be repurposed to keep your key undetectable. For instance, you can buy a fake rock that looks just like a neighbour’s, or how about an outdoor item that looks rather dull but has a hidden compartment for a key? There are numerous products designed to keep a spare hidden while seamlessly blending into your garden or front porch.
Creating a diversion can work wonders as well. Hide your key inside something ordinary yet uninviting. Often, the less interesting the initial glance, the better the hiding spot proves to be. Think of objects such as old garden tools, which may not scream ‘valuable’, yet have the potential to hold something significant!
The Car’s ‘Secret’ Compartments
Let’s not forget about the hidden compartments in some vehicles. Certain makes and models come equipped with these spots, designed for storing small items. While it’s not advisable to keep your main key there, a well-hidden spare that you never intend to rely on in daily situations might just get you out of a pickle.
If you do go this route, remember it’s a risk. You must ensure that the compartment isn’t obvious or easily accessible by an onlooker.
Emergency Key Services
While the focus is on physically storing the key, it’s worth mentioning the options that become available if you’ve truly lost your keys altogether. Car locksmith services provide mobile solutions, enabling them to come to your location and craft a new key for you—or to fine-tune a new electronic key fob, should you lose access to it. This thought might offer you a layer of comfort if at any point your spare key doesn’t seem to be enough.
Educate Your Family
Another clever way to enhance your spare key strategy is by educating your family about security top tips. No one wants to find themselves stranded somewhere with locked doors because a young one casually tosses the spare key away. Sharing your knowledge about safeguarding spare keys can go a long way in avoiding unnecessary stress.
So gather your family, have a fun chat about key security, and impress upon them the importance of keeping track of that spare key. It’s an important lesson in responsibility, but also one that ensures peace of mind for everyone involved.
Store It in Your Wallet
If you’re the type who prefers having a spare key handy, consider reducing the bulk of your wallet. There are key-sized USB drives that allow you to keep a spare key printed on them. Sure, it’s definitely a creative method, but keeping an actual spare tucked away in your wallet is easy. Just remember that if you’re caught in a rainstorm, your car fob’s battery might take a hit if submerged, so it’s worth keeping that in mind.
Keeping your spare key safely stored away doesn’t just save you from unwanted sticky situations—it can also offer peace of mind, knowing you have a contingency plan in place.
Alan Weir – Master Locksmith with 30+ Years of Experience
Alan Weir is the founder of Weir Locksmiths and a Master Locksmith with over three decades of experience. Renowned for his expertise in home and automotive security, Alan has built a reputation for providing reliable and innovative locksmith solutions across the UK.
A certified member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), Alan specialises in residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services including car key replacement, transponder programming, and advanced security systems. His dedication to the field has earned him thousands of satisfied customers and glowing reviews on platforms like Checkatrade.
Now contributing to RevLock, Alan shares his expert knowledge to all of RevLocks visitors.
