How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK

It can be stressful when you lock your keys inside the car. There are a variety of ways to retrieve your keys however, you must use extreme caution, particularly if there are young children or vulnerable people trapped inside.

The RAC suggests you try to retrieve your keys before calling the police. These DIY methods can damage the interior of your vehicle and should only be used as a last option.

Do It Yourself

Locking your keys in your car or boot is a common mistake that people make. It's even more difficult if it happens when you're far from home and can't get into the vehicle. Fortunately, there are various options for dealing with this issue. It is essential to remain calm and evaluate the situation. The next step is to try to figure out a way to get out of the car door opening service without damaging it. There are a myriad of ways to do this, ranging from using coat hangers to testing out apps and other methods. The most important thing is not to panic, as this can only increase the severity of the problem.

You can make use of a spare car key to open the vehicle. If your car is equipped with manual locks it is a great solution. If you have an automatic vehicle, you might have to try another method. You can also make use of a long reach tool, which is a type rod that has hook or loop at the end. This can be used to open the door or boot lock and then unlock it.

Another option is to try to locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) by taking a look at the dashboard panel on the dashboard. The VIN is usually visible, but it may be hidden behind the cover. It is also possible to find your VIN on your insurance paperwork or proof of insurance card. If you can't find it, you may need to contact a locksmith.

It is advisable to leave a spare car key with someone you are confident. This will let you get back into your car in the event that you lose your keys. It will save you the expense of calling a professional. You should also consider leaving the spare key in a secure location, such as your home.

Keep an extra slim Jim or another lockout tool for your vehicle. These tools can be useful for getting into your car in the situation of an emergency and are affordable to purchase.

Call Your Breakdown Provider

Many cars have roadside assistance as standard, and if you're a member of the AA or RAC then this should be your first port of contact. This usually covers the cost of contacting a locksmith and getting you back into your car. Contact your service directly if you aren't sure of what is covered under your breakdown policy or if there will be an additional cost.

You should also check if your policy includes 'key assistance'. It's usually an optional option however some companies such as Start Rescue make it a standard part of their policies. They'll pay for the call out of a locksmith and pay any expenses associated with transferring your keys from the recovery company to your home or garage (if they're nearer) if you have keys locked in your car.

It's important to not take drastic measures when you're locked out of your car. This could cause damage to the vehicle and could make your insurance invalid therefore it's not an ideal idea. Avoid breaking windows as this will make it more difficult to get inside the vehicle.

There's no reason to contact emergency services unless your car is in a dangerous situation or you have children or pets locked inside. If there's a risk of heatstroke or other health problems, you should also call the police.

If you're worried about locking your keys in your car in the future it's a good idea to leave a spare key with a family member or friend. You can also use a smartphone application that allows you to unlock your car without the physical key. Many manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Vauxhall provide this service. If you own a smart car, it's also worth looking into its companion app that allows you to control the most important features of your car remotely through an app for your smartphone. Additionally, many garages will create a duplicate key on behalf of you, so if you have a trusted mechanic close by then this might be a possibility.

Contact for a locksmith

Locking your keys inside your car is a very common occurrence, especially for those who commute to work or school. If you are lucky enough to have a spare key or an app for your smartphone that can unlock your doors it is a simple problem to resolve. If you don't have these tools, it is time to talk to the experts.

Take a deep breath, and don't panic if you lock your keys in your car. If you panic, then it will be more difficult to think clearly and think of a solution. It is also recommended to begin searching online for locksmiths near you that specialise in access to vehicles. This will ensure that a skilled locksmith arrives at your place quickly, which will make the process less stressful.

If you are an employee of a breakdown company like the RAC or the AA, then this should be your first point of contact. They are usually in a position to gain access to your vehicle without causing damage to it, however if they are not able to do this, they'll recommend a locksmith with experience in working on vehicles. Depending on your policy, this could be free of charge, or they could charge an agreed-upon cost for this kind of service.

You can also contact a locksmith but take your time. You can locate a DBS-checked and vetted locksmith by searching on the internet. You can also find out online if your chosen locksmith is accredited independently by the Master Locksmiths Association.

Many people also resort to local garages when they are locked out of their car but this is more expensive than calling in a professional. However, they can still be less expensive than attempting to break into your car yourself, and often get the job done much quicker.

In the end, if you're stuck in a public space and feel that there is a risk to other road users, or there are children, elderly persons or pets in the vehicle then you should call the police. It is best to call your breakdown service provider or an Auto Locksmith specialist first. They can offer assistance and advice.

Contact the police

If you're on the move it's easy to lose keys in your car. This is especially true if not at home. This is a very risky and stressful situation to be in if you are in the middle nowhere, miles away from anyone. It's tempting to retrieve your keys on your own, but it is not a smart idea. Doing anything to force locks or break windows can damage your vehicle and cost you more money in the long run.

The first thing you should take note of the situation - are you in a safe place and where do you go to return to your vehicle? Next, double-check that your keys are locked inside. It's shocking how often people leave them in their vehicles when they visit an outlet or post office. If you are able to confirm that your keys are still in the car, it's now time to call for assistance.

The police will not be capable of unlocking your vehicle, but they can assist you in finding the solution. They can offer guidance and suggest professionals, such as locksmiths or garages. They'll also be able tell you if your vehicle is equipped with an option for remote locking and if it is able to be activated from your phone. Alternatively, you can leave the spare key with someone who can access your vehicle and use the app on their smartphone to unlock the doors and boot.

Although it's not a good idea to lock your keys inside your car, it's better to be prepared for the possibility. You can easily solve the problem by staying calm and assessing all possibilities. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle as well as the emergency number of your breakdown service provider on hand and think about installing a key lock hidden on your vehicle to prevent further lockouts. Install an alarm system inside your car and reprogram keys to remove access to previous owners. This will prevent thieves from using your vehicle to steal keys.