A key is lost: what can I do now?

Losing a key can quickly become a stressful situation for the person concerned. Whether it’s the front door key, the company key or the key for a locking system, the right behaviour is crucial to keeping the financial consequences as low as possible. In this article, we will give you step-by-step instructions on the topic of "Key loss: what can I do now?".

Don't panic, maybe the key is still somewhere!

Before you panic, you should calmly and systematically search all possible places and pockets. Lost keys often reappear in unexpected places.

Check pockets: Go through all the clothes you have worn during the day.

Search for last visited places: Think about where you last used or saw the key and search there.

Communal areas: Ask fellow residents or colleagues if they have seen or put away the key.

Lost and found office: Your key may have been found and dropped off at the local lost and found office. A call or visit can be worth it.

Is the key really gone? What to do now?

If the key cannot be found after careful searching and has not been handed over either, the responsible authorities must be informed depending on the key type:

- Rental apartment: Inform your landlord or property management. Depending on the agreement, a favourable solution may be found.

- Work key or company key: Report the loss to your employer immediately. In the case of keys for sensitive areas, it is usually necessary to replace the locking cylinders in this area or, in special cases, even the entire locking system.

- Locking systems: If a key to a locking system is lost, it is important to secure the entire system. This may incur costs, as the locking cylinders and/or keys must be replaced in part or in full.

If you suspect theft, you should report it to the police. This is especially important if the key has been lost along with documents or other information indicating your address.

What costs will I incur?

Replacement of key

The costs for replacement keys are usually affordable. Make sure you get it from a reputable specialist dealer. In the case of protected locking systems, they will ask for the security card, which must then be presented. In addition, only in this case you can be sure that the duplicate key is the original, i.e. produced according to the locking system manufacturer’s specifications ensuring the correct functioning of the cylinder.

Replace locking cylinders

If a cylinder, a part or an entire locking system needs to be replaced, you or the property manager can obtain an offer from your specialist dealer. Locking cylinders are designed for the respective door, which is why it is important to pass on the necessary information such as the cylinder length or special protective features.

Insurance

If a key is lost, the liability insurance covers the costs in the case of a service key, provided that this loss is explicitly insured. If you lose a borrowed third-party key, your liability insurance will usually cover this damage, for example for the replacement of a lock/cylinder. However, if the key is stolen, home insurance could help. It is worth contacting your insurance companies to clarify the options.

Particular case: electronic locking systems

Electronic locking systems offer several advantages in the event of a lost key compared to mechanical locking systems:

- Loss of tags, access cards or electronic keys: The loss of an electronic key, an access card or a tag (e.g. for systems such as blueSmart or blueEvo) is usually not a problem. Access can be easily disabled without the need to replace locks and cylinders.

- Costs: When losing a key, deactivating the identification medium is normally much cheaper than replacing a mechanical locking system.

If the key is gone and you can no longer enter into the house or apartment, the following tips can help:

Provide replacement key

For emergencies, it makes sense to store a replacement key with trusted persons or to place a key depot with a combination lock in a safe place. This gives you a way to get back home at any time without having to rely on more costly methods.

Locksmith service

In the event of an emergency, hire a reputable locksmith. Find some references and ensure cost transparency in advance of an order to avoid nasty surprises.

Tips to avoid losing the key at all

Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, here are some tips on how to avoid losing keys:

Fixed storage locations: Always leave your keys in the same place when you come home.

Key ring: Use an eye-catching key fob that is easy to find.

Apps and gadgets: Key fobs with tracking function or other gadgets can help to quickly find the key.

Store the spare key securely: Store a second key with trusted persons such as relatives or friends, or use a secure key deposit box with a combination lock. This means that you always have reliable access in an emergency.

Additional reading recommendation

Losing a key can cause a lot of trouble and costs. This guide is designed to help you react quickly and correctly in the event of key loss and to minimise the possible consequences. By acting cautiously and following the above tips, you can easily get the situation handled.

You can find further interesting information in our article "Keys found: What should Ido?".

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