Our garage door opener remote is like a key to your home. Occasionally, these small-but-important devices can go missing. Maybe your car has been broken into or stolen altogether. Maybe your remote slipped out when you were rushing to work or dropping kids off at school or perhaps you loaned your remote to a friend or family member and never got it back. No matter the circumstances, a lost garage door remote is troubling and it can leave you wondering how best to fix the problem.

The good news is you can easily secure your home even after you’ve lost your remote. Here’s a look at what to do when you lose a garage door opener remote:

REASONS YOUR GARAGE DOOR OPENER MIGHT NEED REPLACING

There are several reasons you could find yourself needing overhead garage door opener replacement. Opener remotes typically last 10 to 15 years, so you should replace yours if it's getting old or worn out. Also, consider technological advancements in safety — upgrading your remote could improve your home's security.

Your remote might need replacing if it's any of the following:

BrokenLostStolenNeeds an upgradeNeeds improved safety features

To help keep your family and home safe, you should look for more secure remote features when replacing your remote. Advanced overhead door opener features, such as automatic safety reversal, keypad entry, battery backup and wireless smart-home features can improve the safety and security of your garage.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOUR OVERHEAD DOOR REMOTE IS MISSING

If your garage door remote is missing, you'll need to secure your garage and ensure it can't be opened by anyone other than members of your household. If you suspect your opener remote was stolen, contact the police. Check if anything else was stolen from your house or car and report any missing items along with your opener remote. Once you've done this, you'll need to clear the remote from the opener's memory and purchase a replacement remote control.

Replacing your garage door opener is a matter of convenience and safety. Overhead door openers make it simple and easy to get in and out of your garage, reducing physical strain and saving you time. Additionally, the loss of the opener remote could impact the safety of your home. People can pick up and use remotes, giving them access to your garage and house.

Always replace your lost remote as soon as possible to get back to achieve the peace of mind you're used to having.