Where to store spare house/car keys ?

[97tbird]

I will be living for 4-5 months by myself while my wife does some traveling intermittently

I was have spare car and house keys that I would like to store in a safe but EASILY ACCESSIBLE place.

Several friends have offered to keep spare keys, BUT I am thinking of situations where I might need the spare car or house key in an emergency, which means QUICKLY. And what if the friend who has the keys is not at home or I cannot reach them by phone, etc?

Any ideas/feedback on how to manage this best would be appreciated.

I have a small magnetic key box that stays put underneath the car, I guess I can get them for all cars, ( i tested one on one car during the most horrific rainstorm and bumpy roads at speeds around 65-70 mph without a key in it, and the box passed the test well, it hadn't moved at all after the drive)

but what IF someone guess this and looks for it and car gets stolen? someone told me insurance would give me a hard time if the thief had access to keys....

 

[The_Jeff]

For the house, why not get one of those combination deadbolts? They're only $100 now.

For that matter they make combo lock-boxes (like for realtors) you could put your car keys in.

 

[dishdude]

Even easier, if you have an attached garage you can buy one of the keypads for the opener - $35

 

[KingCake]

Like you I got one of those magnetic key holders from walmart or somewhere. Cheap little plastic thing but I stuck it to the inside of the frame rail on my truck and it's been a few years and hasn't fallen off yet.

SO I would say yeah put it on the other cars.

How will insurance prove the thief got the key from you?

 

[Blinker]

Id share my hiding spots for keys but they are a secret, and this forum is not...

 

[gpguy]

I have a set of house keys (along with mail and vehicle door) keys hidden in the backyard where no one will ever find them. I have a combination lock on the gate. This way if I am ever out of town and need something at the house I can call ANYONE I know and give them the combination and location. And they can check my mail if I end up be gone for awhile and am waiting for something.

In both my trucks I have the spare ignition (chipped) key and toolbox key hidden inside where no one will ever find it. I cut an extra truck door key and hide it behind my license plate (with the screw going through it). You can use a coin to unscrew it or you can always borrow or buy a screwdriver depending on where you are.

 

[97tbird]

Garage is attached BUT still need key for the door that connects to house.
Can't make modifications - we are renting.

Would like to really just store a spare key or two.

 

[97tbird]

Originally Posted By: gpguy
I cut an extra door key and hide it behind my license plate (with the screw going through it). You can use a coin to unscrew it or you can always borrow or buy a screwdriver depending on where you are.


I had my license plate stolen once. Wouldn't have been good if they also found a house key...

 

[gpguy]

Originally Posted By: 97tbird
Originally Posted By: gpguy
I cut an extra door key and hide it behind my license plate (with the screw going through it). You can use a coin to unscrew it or you can always borrow or buy a screwdriver depending on where you are.


I had my license plate stolen once. Wouldn't have been good if they also found a house key...


Actually it would be the truck door key behind the plate. But that has risks too.

 

[dlundblad]

I can see you getting insurance heck if the key was hidden outside somewhere too.

Perhaps in the sole of your shoe(s) or your wallet?

 

[The_Jeff]

Originally Posted By: KingCake

How will insurance prove the thief got the key from you?


Exactly this, if you bought the car used a PO could have put in the key magnet thing.

 

[Michael_P]

As someone who commutes by bicycle everywhere, I see those magnetic key holders on the side of the road and off of the shoulder quite a bit. Particularly 20ft past RR tracks and potholes.

 

[donnyj08]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Even easier, if you have an attached garage you can buy one of the keypads for the opener - $35


+1

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: dishdude
Even easier, if you have an attached garage you can buy one of the keypads for the opener - $35


This is what I have. Then I put a key in a Stanley lock box mounted on the wall inside the garage. Then you can let people access the key when you are not home by giving them both combination numbers and then change the numbers when you return.

Here is one: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MYF0YS?psc=1

 

[jcwit]

I put car & house keys in a zip lock bag, seal bag with Gorrila Duck Tape and zip tie said small package to undercarriage of each vehicle. Yes, I need to get on my back under car to cut off which is little problem, but it sure beats being locked out.

BTW the package is only visable from under the car and is not toward the outside.

 

[01rangerxl]

As long as your car key will fit inside, you can get combination lock boxes at home improvement stores, online, etc. Attach it to a door knob or secure railing, and give the necessary people the combination.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

I keep an extra key for everything-vehicles, shop, shed, tractors, mowers, etc. tagged in our home safe. The house is set up so that no key is needed-each garage door has a keypad, and the door from the garage to the mudroom also has a keypad. Unless I completely forget the code to both I'll never get locked out. However, for that possibility, I have a spare key hidden on top of one of the hanging lights in the shop (about 8' off the floor), and there is a key for the shop hidden under the floor of the garden shed (it doesn't lock). So, in the event of a possible failure of both keypads, I could get the key to the shop, then the key to the house and get in that way.

As far as the vehicles go, I simply make certain that when I exit the vehicle I have my keys in my hand. Always.

Originally Posted By: 97tbird

Can't make modifications - we are renting.


Sure you can. It's just a simple deadbolt replacement, and you can replace it with the original deadbolt when you move. It takes all of about 10 minutes and one phillips screwdriver to install, and 10 minutes/one screwdriver to swap it back when the day comes that you graduate to home ownership.

 

[Donald]

I would find a place outside that is not next to the door. At a friends house also. Just be careful to always use key fob to lock the car, less likely to lock keys in the car.

I sometimes leave my door unlocked. Someone could walk in I guess. But with a few Mastiffs around they may not walk out.

 

[KitaCam]

I tape a car key to my library card that's in my wallet so I can flip it out should I leave my key in the car...don't ask what I'd do if I left BOTH keys and wallet in the car.

 

[gman2304]

I tape spare keys together and push them down into the plastic inner fender at my trucks wheel well opening. This has saved me several times over the years.