What to do when you’re locked out

Call a locksmith

This one might seem obvious, especially coming from an expert locksmith like Grays, because of course, we want you to call us in an emergency.

However, there are good reasons why you should call a professional locksmith when you are locked out, rather than try and sort it out yourself.

Firstly, a locksmith should be able to solve the problem for you without doing any unnecessary damage to your property.

Locksmiths are highly-trained and experienced trade professionals and will usually be able to unlock or gain entry via all types of door locks including mortice locks, night latches, Euro cylinder locks, anti-snap locks and locks fitted to wooden, composite and uPVC doors and windows.

They can do so using non-destructive methods, even if you have no key, to avoid damaging glass, doors or windows.

If the lock needs to be replaced afterwards, they can usually put that right at the same time.

Most professional locksmiths also offer a 24/7 callout so if you are locked out late at night or early in the morning, they can get you into your property in an emergency.

Get a spare set of keys

One of the best ways of preventing a lockout is to have a set or two of spare keys made that you can use in an emergency.

It’s always a good idea to keep these in a safe place that is not in your house, so you can use them if you lose your main set.

Keeping them in a lockable desk at work, your car’s glove compartment (if it can be locked) or leaving them with a trusted friend our neighbour will help ensure you can get access to your home should the worst happen.

Bear in mind that locking them in your house will be of no use whatsoever.

You should also avoid leaving your spare set of keys where they might be found easily, such as under your door mat or a plant pot on your patio.

And exercise caution if using a key safe on the outside of your property. While they might come in handy, they can be removed and broken into quite easily by a determined intruder, so don’t make them visible if you can help it.

You can get key safes which are disguised as other things, such as garden rocks or decorations – these can be a better bet than the wall-mounted ones which people can see from the street.

Replace your locks

If you have mislaid your keys and just don’t know where they are, then it might be a good idea to replace your locks.

Most home insurance policies won’t pay out for burglary unless there is forced entry to your home, meaning if someone did get in with a stolen set of keys – or one found under your doormat, for example – you could be putting your home and belongings at risk.

Changing your locks will give you the peace of mind of knowing that even if your keys fall into the wrong hands, your property will still be safe and secure.

If you are replacing your locks, make sure they adhere to BS3621. This is the minimum British Standard that most insurers insist external locks meet.

You may invalidate any future insurance claims if your locks don’t meet this standard. Conversely, if you are upgrading your locks to BS3621, it may help lower your insurance premiums.