Locking yourself out of your vehicle is a frustrating experience that can quickly become a costly emergency. With almost 4 million Americans experiencing a lockout annually, the best defense is simple: have spare keys ready before you need them.

Why a Spare Key Matters

KeyMe Locksmiths, a nationwide service that offers key duplication at up to 70% off dealer prices, emphasizes four common reasons drivers keep extra keys. Samantha Jahnke, chief experience officer for KeyMe, notes, “A good rule of thumb is to have at least two working keys for your vehicle. If you’re down to one, make a spare while you still have a working key.”

1. Backup for Lost or Damaged Keys

One key is never enough. A misplaced key, a broken blade, or an accidental lock‑in can halt your day. Having a spare—or even a spare for the spare—ensures you can get back on the road without calling a locksmith.

2. Convenient Access for Other Drivers

When a vehicle is shared among family members, each driver benefits from having their own key. It eliminates the hassle of passing a single set back and forth and makes it easy to grant a new driver access.

3. Travel Safety

Being away from home amplifies the risk of a lockout. A lost key at a hotel or while on a road trip can leave you stranded far from familiar services. Keeping a spare in a secure pocket, purse, or backpack lets you focus on enjoying your journey.

4. Extra Key for a Used Vehicle

Purchasing a used car often means the previous owner left only one key. Creating a duplicate promptly protects the vehicle’s resale value and prevents future negotiations over a missing spare.

KeyMe’s platform allows drivers to duplicate keys for more than 40,000 makes and models, offering a convenient, affordable solution to a common problem. By planning ahead and keeping spare keys, you protect your family’s time, budget, and peace of mind.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.