Despite a rise in reported break-ins across the country, recent Compare the Market research has revealed more than a third of Australians still hide a spare key.
According to Compare the Market’s latest data, 36% of adult Australians hide a spare key somewhere outside of their home.*
Of those that hid a spare key, the most popular hiding spots were in a lock box (30%) and the garden (15%). The data also found that 8% hid their spare key in a fake rock, under a garden gnome and under a pot plant.
Almost 6% chose to hide their key on top of a door frame, 5% hid a key under the doormat and 3% left a spare key in their letter box.
Meanwhile, 17% of those who hid a key selected ‘other’, and hid a key elsewhere around their property, with relatives or friends or in a barbecue.
But it doesn’t matter how quirky the hiding spot is, Compare the Market General Manager of Insurance Adrian Taylor is warning against some of these hiding hotspots.
“Some home insurance policies that cover theft may not pay your claim if there’s no evidence of forced entry to the home,” Mr Taylor said.
“It doesn’t matter how outside the box you think your hiding place is; seasoned burglars know them all. For greater security, the lock box should be hidden from sight, however, don’t choose a common hiding place, as seasoned burglars know them all.
“Some of the quirkier places people hide their keys are in air conditioning units, under wood stacked out the back of the house, in the rubbish bin, and inside an outdoor dartboard.
“While some of these places might be less obvious than under the doormat – they’re still accessible and can potentially impact your ability to claim on your insurance policy.”
Mr Taylor encouraged Australians to give their spare key to a trusted friend or relative who lives close by.
“If you’re going to use a lock box, make sure it does not increase the likelihood of you becoming a victim of crime.” Mr Taylor said. “If in doubt, consider leaving a key with someone you trust, rather than leaving it hidden around your property.
“Doing anything that makes it easier for thieves to access your home could jeopardise your safety, and could also jeopardise your insurance cover.
“If you have any doubts, check the wording in your PDS to make sure having a lock box is accepted by your insurer or if any of your other hiding spots could cause problems if you did need to make a claim.
“The homeowner is responsible for making sure the home is kept secure at all times. If the existence of a lock box is obvious, or you share its combination with others and the lock box key is used to gain entry, your claim may be refused. This may also be an issue if you leave your keys in other obvious hiding spots”
For more information, Mr Taylor encouraged people to read the product disclosure statement on their insurance policy or contact their insurer if they’re unsure of something.
*Compare the Market survey of 1,001 adult Australians conducted in September 2024.
For more information, please contact:
Phillip Portman | 0437 384 471 | [email protected]
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