Lost Your Keys in NYC? A Calm, Practical Action Plan

Retrace first, panic later. Check the last three places you definitely had them — coat pockets, bag compartments, the bodega counter. Most 'lost' keys are misplaced within a 50-foot radius of where you think you lost them.

If they're truly gone and your address was on the keychain (or in a lost wallet next to it), treat it as a security incident, not just an inconvenience: rekey your locks promptly. An honest finder returns keys; you can't count on honesty.

If you have a spare with someone trusted, use it to get in, then decide on rekeying based on the risk. No spare? Call us — we'll get you in without damage and can rekey on the same visit.

Prevent the repeat: designate one spot at home where keys always live, keep a trusted spare outside your home, and consider a keypad deadbolt so a lost key is an annoyance rather than an emergency.

For car keys lost with the fob: we cut and program replacements on-site for most makes — no dealer tow required.