How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK

It can be a stressful experience when you lock your keys in the opening car door. There are a variety of ways to retrieve your keys, however you should always exercise extreme caution if there are children or other people who are vulnerable inside.

The RAC recommends that you attempt to recover your keys by yourself prior to calling the police. These DIY methods could harm the interior of your vehicle and should only be only used as the last resort.

Do It Yourself

Locking your keys in your car or boot is an easy mistake to make. It's more frustrating if you are miles away from your home and cannot get into your car. There are fortunately, various options for dealing with this issue. The most important thing is to stay calm and boot evaluate the situation. The next step is to find a way to get out of the vehicle without causing damage to it. There are a myriad of ways to do this, ranging from using coat hangers to apps and other methods. The most important thing is not to be in a panic, as this will only cause the situation to get worse.

You can make use of a spare car key to unlock the car. This is usually a good option for cars with manual locks, but you may have to try different methods in the case of an automatic car. You can also employ an extended reach tool, that is a rod that has a loop or hook at the end. This can be used to open the door or boot lock and unlock it.

You can also try to find the vehicle identification number by looking at the dash panel on the dashboard. The number should be visible, however it can sometimes be hidden behind the cover. You can also try to locate your VIN on your insurance form or proof of insurance. If you are unable to locate it, a locksmith may be needed.

It is always an excellent idea to leave a spare key with someone you can trust. This will let you return to your car if you forget your keys, and it will save you the expense of calling a professional. You might also keep the spare keys in a safe location like your home.

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

Contact Your Breakdown Provider

A lot of cars come with roadside assistance in the standard package and if you're a member of the AA or RAC then this is your first port of contact. This usually covers the cost to call a locksmith to get you back into your car. Contact your provider directly if you are unsure of the coverage of your breakdown policy, or should you be concerned about an additional charge.

You should also check whether your policy provides 'key assistance'. It's typically an optional feature however some companies like Start Rescue make it a mandatory part of their policies. If you lock your keys in your car, they'll pay for a locksmith to be on hand to take your keys to your home or garage.

It's crucial to avoid taking extreme measures while locked outside your car. This can damage the vehicle and make your insurance invalid, so it's never a good idea. Also, avoid breaking windows, because this could make it more difficult to get inside.

If your car is not in a danger zone or you have pets, children elderly people, vulnerable people locked in the car it's not necessary to call emergency services. You should also call the police if there is a risk of heatstroke, or other health issues.

If you're concerned that your keys could be locked in your car, it's an ideal idea to leave a spare keys locked in car no spare with an individual from your family or a friend. You can also unlock your car with a smartphone application. Many manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes, and Vauxhall offer this service. If you own a car with a smart feature you should also look at its companion app, which will allow you to control the key features of your car remotely through an app that you can download to your phone. Many garages can make duplicate keys for you. If you have a reliable technician in your area it is an option.

Contact a locksmith

It is not unusual for people to lock their keys in their cars, particularly those who commute. If you have an extra car key or an app for your smartphone that unlocks the doors, this is an easy issue to resolve. If you don't own the tools, it's time to talk to the experts.

The first thing you need to do if you've locked your keys in your car is to take a deep breath and try not to panic. If you panic, it will be even harder to think straight and find an answer. It's also a good idea to start looking online for locksmiths close to you who specialize in access to vehicles. This will ensure a specialist arrives quickly and make the process less stressful.

If you are an employee of a breakdown provider like the RAC or AA then this should be your first point of contact. They will often be capable of gaining access to your vehicle without causing damage to it, but if they are not able to then they will likely recommend an experienced locksmith in dealing with vehicles. Based on your policy, it could be free of charge, or they may have an agreed-upon fee for this type of service.

You can also speak to a locksmith but take your time. You can find a vetted and DBS-checked locksmith by searching online. It is also recommended to check whether the locksmith you choose has been independently accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association, which can be done online.

When they are locked out of their car, many people turn to their local garage. However, this could be more costly than hiring an expert. However, they can still be less expensive than attempting to gain entry into the vehicle yourself, and often get the job done much faster.

If you are in a public area and you believe there is a risk to other motorists, boot or there could be children, elderly or pets in your car you should call the police. However, it is always recommended to call your breakdown provider or an expert Auto Locksmith first before doing this, as they will be able to give assistance and advice in these situations.

Call the police

It's easy to lose your keys in the car when you're hurrying out the door for work or to pick up your children from school, especially when you're away from home. This is a very risky and stressful situation to be in, especially if you're in the middle of nowhere far from any one. You may be tempted try to retrieve your keys yourself however this is generally an unwise choice. You could damage your vehicle and end up paying more if you try to force locks or smash windows.

The first step is to take a look at the situation. Are you in a secure location? Where can you go to return to your vehicle? Double-check your keys are really secured in the car door unlock service. It's astonishing how many people lose their keys in their cars while they go to the store or post office. If you can verify that your keys are in the car then it's time to contact help.

The police won't be able to unlock your vehicle, but they are able to help you find a solution. They can offer advice and recommend professionals, such as a locksmith or garage. They can also inform you if your vehicle comes with a remote locking feature and if it can be activated by your phone. Alternately, you can leave the spare key with someone who can access your vehicle and use the app on their smartphone to open the doors and boot.

Although it's not a good idea to lock out car your keys in your car, it's better to be prepared for this situation. By staying calm and assessing your options, you will be able to quickly fix the issue. To avoid future lockouts ensure you have an extra key, keep the emergency number for your breakdown service on hand and consider purchasing a hidden key device which can be connected to your car. You can also set up an alarm system on your vehicle and have the car keys reset to block any previous owner's access. This will also prevent thieves from using your car as a means to steal their own sets keys.