How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK

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

The RAC recommends that you try to retrieve your keys before calling the police. These DIY methods may damage the interior of your car and should be only used as the last resort.

Do It Yourself

Locking your keys in your car or boot is a common mistake that people make. It's even more annoying when you're far from home and are unable to gain access to your vehicle. There are fortunately several options to deal with this problem. It is important to remain calm and assess the situation. The next step is to try to find a way out of the car without damaging it. There are a myriad of ways to do this, from using coathangers to using apps and other methods. It is crucial not to panic as this will only make things worse.

You can make use of a spare car key to unlock the vehicle. If your car has manual locks, this is a good solution. If you have an automatic vehicle, you might have to look for a different method. You can also employ the long reach tool that is a rod with hook or loop at the end. This tool can be used to open the door or boot lock and open it.

Another option is to locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) by taking a look at the dashboard panel on the dash. The number should be visible, but it is sometimes hidden behind a cover. You can also find your VIN in your insurance paperwork or on your insurance proof card. If you are unable to locate it, a locksmith may be required.

It is always recommended to leave the spare key with a person you can trust. You can then access your vehicle if you've forgotten your keys. This will prevent you from calling an expert. You may also want to keep the spare keys in a safe place such as your home.

It's an excellent idea to keep a slim jim, or any other lockout tool for your vehicle in your vehicle. These tools can be useful for getting into your car in the event of an emergency, and they are not expensive to purchase.

Contact Your Breakdown Provider

Roadside assistance is included in a number of cars as a standard. If you're a member of AA or RAC that is the first call you make. This will usually cover the cost of calling an emergency locksmith to get back into your vehicle. Contact your service directly if you aren't sure of what is covered under your breakdown policy, or should you be concerned about an additional charge.

You should also determine whether your policy contains 'key assistance'. It's usually an optional option, but some companies like Start Rescue make it a mandatory feature of their policies. They'll pay for the call out of a locksmith and cover the cost of transporting your keys from the recovery operator to your garage or home (if they're close) when you've got keys locked in your car.

It's important to not take extreme measures when you're locked myself out of my car outside your vehicle. This could damage the vehicle and void your insurance. It's not a great idea. You should also avoid breaking windows, as this can make it difficult to get inside.

Unless your car is in a dangerous position or you have children, pets or elderly persons, or vulnerable people locked in the car, there's no need to call emergency services. It is also advisable to call the police if you are at an increased risk of heatstroke or other health issues.

If you're worried that your keys will be locked in your car, it's recommended to leave a spare key with someone in your family or with a friend. You can also use a smartphone application that can unlock your car without the use of the physical key. Numerous brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Vauxhall offer this service. You should also consider the 'companion application' when you own a car with a smart system. This allows you to remotely manage the features of your car through an app. Additionally, many garages will create a duplicate key on behalf of you, so if have a trusted mechanic close by it could be an option.

Call a Locksmith

Locking your keys in your car is a frequent occurrence, particularly for commuters to work or school. If you're fortunate enough to have a spare key or an app for your smart phone that can unlock the doors it is a straightforward problem to solve. If you do not have these options now is the time to contact experts!

The first thing you must do if you have i locked my car keys in my car your keys in your car is to take a deep breath and try not to panic. If you panic, it'll be more difficult to think clearly or think of a suitable solution. You can also search online for locksmiths in your area that specialize in vehicle access. This will ensure a specialist arrives at your location quickly and make the situation less stressful.

You should call your breakdown provider first if you are already a member. If they are unable to unlock your vehicle without damaging it they will recommend an experienced locksmith who has previous experience working with vehicles. This service can be offered for free or at a fixed fee, depending on the insurance policy you have.

You can also speak to a locksmith, but you should proceed with caution. You can locate an accredited and DBS-checked locksmith by searching online. You can also find out online to see if the locksmith you select is independently accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association.

If they're locked out of their car, a lot of people go to their local garage. However, this can be more costly than hiring a professional. They can be cheaper than trying your luck to gain access to the vehicle and they can accomplish the job faster.

In the end, if you're stuck in a public place and feel that there is a risk for 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 company or an Auto Locksmith specialist first. They can offer assistance and advice.

Call the police

When you're on the go it's easy to lose keys in your car. This is especially true if not at home. If you're located in a remote area miles from anyone, this is an even more challenging and risky situation to find yourself in. You may be tempted to try to get your keys back yourself but this is generally a bad idea. You can damage your car and end up paying more money if you try to force locks on or smash windows.

First, you should assess the situation. Are you in a secure area? Where can you go to return to your vehicle? Double-check your keys are really locked inside the car. It's astonishing how many people forget their keys in their cars when they go to the shop or post office. If you can confirm that your keys are still in the car, it's time to contact help.

While the police can't unlock your car, they can help you to find the solution. They can offer advice and recommend professionals, like locksmiths or garages. They will also be able tell you if your vehicle has an option for remote locking and if it is able to be activated using your smartphone. You can also leave an extra key with someone who is able to access your vehicle and use the app on their smartphone to open the doors and boot.

While it's not ideal to lock your keys inside your car, it's better to be prepared for this scenario. By being calm and evaluating your options, you'll be able to quickly fix the issue. Keep an extra car lockout assistance key in your car and the emergency number of your breakdown service provider handy and think about installing a key lock hidden on your vehicle to prevent further lockouts. Install an alarm system inside your vehicle and reprogram the keys to remove access to previous owners. This will stop thieves from using your car to steal their own keys.