Losing a key is stressful—there’s no denying it. But losing a key to a high-tech security system? That’s a whole other level of concern. In today’s world, with smart locks, biometric access, and advanced digital security systems, one lost key could open the door to serious risks for your home, business, or even your entire property portfolio.

At Ottawa Locksmiths, we handle everything from traditional lockouts to high-tech key issues on a daily basis. In this article, we’ll explain what a locksmith does and how we tackle these kinds of issues. Plus, we’ll answer some of the most common questions people have when it comes to security systems in our high-tech world.

Stay Calm—but Act Quickly

Losing a key is never convenient, but the key to solving this is fast action. While advanced security systems are harder for intruders to bypass, they’re not foolproof. So, don’t wait too long to take action. The sooner you notify a locksmith or your system administrator, the quicker we can take steps to secure your property.

Key Takeaway:
Think of a lost key like a lost debit card—report it immediately and retrace your steps.

Contact the System Owner or Authorized Locksmith

Every security system has a registered owner. This could be the property manager, business owner, or whoever is responsible for managing the system. Only the system’s registered owner or their authorized locksmith can make changes or approve key replacements.

Here’s What You’ll Need:

Proof	Why It Matters
Government-issued photo ID	Verifies your identity.
Authorization letter/email	Confirms you’re authorized to handle the system.
System access or registry number	Links the lost key to the security system.
Incident details (time, date, location)	Helps us assess risk and determine what steps to take.

If you’re unsure who the system owner is, don’t worry. At Ottawa Locksmiths, we can usually trace the serial number or keyway profile back to the manufacturer and track down the original registrant.

Assess the Risk

Once we know the details, we’ll quickly evaluate the situation to assess how much of a security risk this is. We look at a few important factors:

Location Sensitivity: Was the lost key for a high-traffic area or a sensitive space (e.g., server room, vault)?
Key Hierarchy: Was it a master key, a sub-master, or a regular key?
Physical Evidence: Was the key lost accidentally, or is there reason to believe it was stolen intentionally?
Access Logs (if available): Have there been any suspicious attempts to access the system since the key went missing?

What Happens Next:

Low-risk scenario: Issue a replacement key and update the system logs.
Moderate/high-risk scenario: Rekey the system or replace the cylinder. If it was a master key, we may recommend rekeying all subordinate cylinders or even upgrading the security profile.

Choosing the Best Solution

After evaluating the situation, we’ll decide on the best course of action.

1. Issue a Replacement Key

When: The lost key was tied to a low-risk area (e.g., office, storage).

Pros: Quick and affordable.
Cons: Doesn’t completely eliminate the risk if someone finds the key.

2. Rekey the System

When: The key granted access to a more sensitive area (e.g., medication room, secure storage).

Pros: Invalidates the lost key while maintaining the system’s high security.
Cons: Requires new keys to be issued to all authorized users.

3. Replace the Entire System

When: The lost key was part of a master system, or multiple keys are lost.

Pros: A fresh security profile, with new keyways and long-term security.
Cons: Higher upfront costs and the need to rekey all access points.

Update Your Key-Control Records

Once the issue is resolved, make sure you update your key-control records. This will help keep your security system organized and efficient:

Record the lost key’s serial number as “lost” or “stolen.”
Document what action was taken (replacement, rekey, or new system).
List the new keys and who they were issued to.
Get signatures or digital acknowledgment from all individuals who receive new keys.

Pro Tip:
If you manage a large property, consider using cloud-based key-control software. This will help you track changes in real-time, keeping everything in check.

Taking Steps to Prevent Future Issues

Once the immediate situation is resolved, consider implementing preventive measures to avoid future key-related problems:

GPS-Tagged Key Rings: Ideal for employees or managers on the move.
Audit-Trail Systems: High-security locks like Abloy Protec2 Cliq or Medeco XT provide logs for every key inserted or removed, giving you a clear audit trail.
Key Cabinets with PIN Access: Keep track of who took which key and when.
Regular Key Audits: We recommend conducting audits every six months for smaller businesses or quarterly for multi-site operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I claim on my insurance for a lost key?

A: Yes, many insurance policies will cover the costs associated with rekeying or upgrading your security system if a key is lost. Keep all invoices and locksmith reports for your insurance claim.

Q: How long does it take to rekey a high-security system?

A: Rekeying a single lock usually takes about 20–40 minutes. However, larger master systems can take several hours, and special order blanks may take 2–5 business days.

Q: Is it cheaper to switch to an electronic access system?

A: In some cases, yes. If you’ve had multiple instances of lost keys, switching to smart locks or card-based systems can be a great way to eliminate the problem altogether—no physical keys to lose.

Q: Can the manufacturer cut a new key for me directly?

A: No. Key replacements have to go through an authorized locksmith, who will verify your identity and credentials before creating any new keys.

Why Choose Ottawa Locksmiths?

Manufacturer-Authorized: We’re certified for top systems like Medeco, Mul-T-Lock, Abloy, ASSA, and more.
24/7 Rapid Response: Available at any time in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured: We’re fully qualified professionals you can trust.
Comprehensive Security Solutions: We provide audits, software integration, training, and system upgrades.
Discreet Service: We can use unmarked vehicles for sensitive sites.

Contact Us Today

Phone: +1 613-777-5480
Address: Ottawa-Gatineau Region
Website: ottawa-locksmiths.ca
Email: ottawalocksmith31@gmail.com
Hours: 24/7 Emergency Service | Office: Mon–Sat 8 AM–6 PM

Losing a high-tech key doesn’t have to mean the loss of your peace of mind. Ottawa Locksmiths will help restore your security quickly, professionally, and without hassle.

Your security is our priority.

What Does a Locksmith Do?