Losing keys is not just an access problem. It is a security problem, because you cannot know where they ended up. Consequently the right response depends less on getting back inside and more on what that key opens.
First, work out what the key opens
A single house key is one problem. A keyring holding house, car, garage and an office fob is another entirely. Therefore list what was on it before doing anything else. Furthermore, check whether anything on the ring identifies your address. A key with a luggage tag or a parking pass turns a lost key into a known address, and that changes the urgency considerably.
If your address was attached
Rekey the same day. Because whoever holds the key now knows exactly which door it opens, waiting is not sensible. Moreover the cost of rekeying is a fraction of the alternative.
If nothing identifies you
You have more time, though not unlimited. Consequently plan a rekey within a week rather than treating it as urgent.
Getting back in tonight
If you are outside now, a locksmith opens the door without damage in most cases. However, do not force a window. People injure themselves that way every winter in Ottawa, and glass costs far more than a callout. Additionally, check whether a neighbour or family member holds a spare before calling anyone, since that solves it for free.
Rekey rather than replace
Rekeying changes the pins inside your existing cylinders, so the lost key stops working. Consequently the hardware stays and the cost stays low. By contrast, replacement makes sense only if the lock was already failing. Therefore for a lost key, rekeying is almost always the correct answer. Moreover it takes minutes per door.
If a car key went with it
A lost car key is more expensive than a house key, and considerably more so if it was the only one. Because all-keys-lost requires retrieving the code against your VIN before anything can be cut. Consequently the practical lesson is to cut a spare while you still hold a working key. Above all, keep that spare off the same keyring.
Questions we get about this
Should I rekey or change the locks?
Rekey, unless the hardware is already failing. Because the pin combination changes entirely, the lost key stops working.
How fast can someone come out?
Central and east Ottawa are quickest. However, outlying areas get an honest window rather than an optimistic one.
What if the key had my address on it?
Rekey the same day. Consequently whoever holds it cannot use it.
Is it cheaper to rekey several doors at once?
Yes, considerably. Therefore do the whole house in one visit.
What about a lost car key?
Cheaper if you still hold another one. All-keys-lost costs more because the code has to be retrieved first.
