Don't Panic — Immediate Options
First, take a breath and check the obvious. Is there a window cracked open somewhere? A back door you forgot about? It sounds silly, but in the moment of panic many people skip the simplest checks. Walk around the entire building and try every possible entry point.
If you live with someone, call them. If you gave a spare key to a neighbor or family member, now is the time to cash in that favor. Renters should call their landlord or property management company — they often have a master key or can send maintenance.
If none of that works, a locksmith is your next step. In the Netherlands and Germany, emergency locksmiths are widely available, but you need to be careful about pricing. More on that below.
How Much Does a Locksmith Cost?
In the Netherlands, expect to pay between €80 and €150 for a standard lockout during business hours. In Germany and Austria, the range is similar: €80–€200. But here's where it gets expensive — evening, night, and weekend calls can easily double the price. Some less reputable locksmiths charge €300 or more for after-hours work.
Always ask for a price estimate before the locksmith starts work. Reputable locksmiths will give you a range over the phone. If someone shows up and demands a much higher price, you're within your rights to refuse. In the Netherlands, the Politiekeurmerk Veilig Wonen (PKVW) website lists certified locksmiths. In Germany, look for locksmiths registered with the local Handwerkskammer.
Also note: if the locksmith needs to drill out your lock (because it's a high-security cylinder), you'll pay for both the labor and a new lock — easily pushing the total past €250.
How to Make Sure This Never Happens Again
The most common advice is to leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor or family member. This works, but it has limits — your neighbor might not be home when you need them at 11 PM on a Tuesday.
A key lockbox (the combination-code boxes you see on Airbnb properties) is another option. You mount it somewhere discreet near your door and store a spare inside. They cost around €20–€40 and are reasonably secure, though a determined thief with a crowbar can break most budget models.
The more modern solution is a smart lock. Instead of carrying a physical key, your phone becomes your key. Even if you leave your keys inside, you can unlock the door from your phone, enter a PIN code on a keypad, or use your fingerprint. The physical key still exists as a backup, but you almost never need it.
How Nuki Solves This
Nuki's approach is straightforward: your phone is your primary key, and you always have your phone. The Smart Lock Pro Pro mounts on the inside of your existing door, replacing just the cylinder — no drilling, no modifications to the door itself.
With Auto Unlock enabled, the door unlocks automatically as you approach based on your phone's location. You don't even need to take your phone out of your pocket. If you add the Keypad 2 NFC, you can also enter a PIN code or use your fingerprint — so even if your phone is dead, you have a backup that doesn't involve a locksmith.
The activity log shows you every lock and unlock event, so you always know the state of your door. And if someone in your family is locked out, you can unlock the door remotely from the app — no matter where you are.
The physical key still works as a last-resort backup. But most Nuki owners report they haven't used their physical key in months.
What If You Don't Want a Smart Lock?
Totally fair. Not everyone wants electronics on their door. In that case, the best prevention is a combination of strategies: leave a spare with two different trusted people (not just one), invest in a quality key lockbox mounted in an inconspicuous spot, and consider a lock cylinder that can be opened from outside even when a key is inserted on the inside (a common feature in newer SKG 3-star cylinders in the Netherlands).
You can also look into magnetic key holders that attach under a car or inside a meter cabinet. They're low-tech, cheap, and surprisingly effective — as long as you pick a spot that isn't obvious.