Have you lost your house keys or found yourself locked out of your home? Don’t worry, your local locksmiths can help. Losing your keys can seem like a huge issue, but it doesn’t have to be.
What should you do if you lose your keys?
Don’t worry, it happens to everyone. The most important thing is to not try and break into your home- this will cause far more security issues and be much more expensive in the long run. We understand that you may be panicked and want to get into your home as quickly as possible, however there is always a solution for lost house keys.
Many keys can be cut by professional locksmiths in just a few minutes – however there are some keys that will require longer. Read our guide on how long it takes to get a key cut to find out how long it will take before we can get you back into your home.
You have just lost your keys. What do you do now?
1. Find a trusted locksmith
If you have lost your only set of keys then you will need to get a replacement key. Finding a trusted and reputable locksmith is your first step in getting back into your home. A skilled locksmith will be able to create you a new key without needing the original.
2. Decide on the right security solution- do you need a new key or a new lock?
Although a replacement key will allow you to regain entry into your home, if your missing key can be easily tracked back to your address it may be necessary to change your locks instead. Although this is a more expensive and time-consuming option, it will provide you with more security and peace of mind.
3. Call your locksmiths
Once you know who you are calling and what service you require you can call your locksmiths to come and let you into your home. It may be useful at this time to enquire about pricing to eliminate any further surprises or stress. With a reputable locksmith however you should receive a very reasonable pricing quote.
4. Consider future home security measures
There is nothing else you can do while you wait for your locksmith to arrive. Take this time to consider your home security as a whole. What other security measures do you have in place to ensure your home is protected from vandalism and burglary? if you are unsure how to do this, read our article how can you check if your home is secure.
Also consider how to prevent your current situation from happening again. Do you currently have a spare key? If not consider discussing this with your locksmith when they arrive. Although this may not fully prevent you from being locked out of your home in the future, it may reduce the risk, or prevent you from needing to get your locks replaced.
If you are unsure if your home is secure, read our top tips for securing your home.
What house keys can be replaced?
A skilled locksmith ill be able to replace most house keys, including:
- Yale Keys
- 3 Cylinder Keys
- Master Keys
How much does it cost to replace a key?
The cost of getting new keys cut varies depending on the lock type and the key required. Your locksmith may also charge different rates depending on the time of day and your location. Each locksmith will charge a different rate, meaning it can be helpful to inquire about pricing before calling them out to your property.
Here are the prices for some of the most commonly cut keys in our locksmith shop:
- Yale key cutting – from £3.75
- Mortice key cutting – from £5.99
- 3 Star cylinder key cutting – from £16
Read our simple guide to key cutting services for more key cutting prices at Halls Locksmiths.
Some situations require a new lock to improve the security of your home. Prices for changing locks can vary depending on the type of lock and the complexity of the job. Read our guide ‘how much does it cost to change locks’ for more information and pricing.
Are you using a trusted locksmith?
It’s easy to feel helpless when you’ve lost your keys or been locked out. Try to remain calm while you find the right local locksmiths to help. The last thing you want is to hire a locksmith who is going to make your day worse by doing a bad job or overcharging you. There are lots of businesses that offer convenient key cutting services, however using a Master Locksmith Association approved company to cut your keys has its added benefits. The Master Locksmiths Association can help you find approved locksmiths in your local area.
Find more top tips for finding an emergency locksmith who will do a good job so that you can be sure you are in the best hands when locked out of your home.
Feeling safe within your own home and protecting your family and possessions is a top priority for all of us, which is why you’ll want to consider the best security options. At Halls Locksmiths, we’ve been providing trusted security services and products since 1885. We are here to ensure that you feel safe inside your home and have peace of mind that your possessions are secure.
Halls Locksmiths is based in the centre of Nottingham which makes us an ideal emergency locksmith for those in the city and surrounding areas. We often arrive within 30 minutes so you can get back on with the rest of your day as soon as possible.
We’re there for you when you need us most, whether that’s at your home, business or in our store to give you expert advice and professional locksmith services.
Save our number so you can get help as soon as you need it in an emergency. Call us 24/7 on 0115 9780141.
