How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK

It can be a stressful experience when you lock your keys in the car. There are many methods to retrieve your keys, however you must take extreme caution when there are children or other vulnerable people inside.

The RAC recommends that you try to recover your keys before calling the police. DIY methods like these can cause damage to 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 inconvenient especially if you're miles away from home and can't get into the vehicle. There are fortunately, various options for dealing with this issue. The most important thing to do is stay calm and evaluate the situation. Next, you need to find a safe method to exit the vehicle without damaging it. There are a myriad of ways for doing this, from using coat hangers to testing different methods and apps. The most important thing to remember is not to be in a panic, as this will only increase the severity of the problem.

If you have a spare key, you can use this to gain entry into your car. If your car is equipped with manual locks, this is a good solution. But if it's an automatic vehicle, you might have to look for a different method. You can also try to employ a long-reach device, which is a type of rod that has an end loop or hook at the end. It can be used to open the door or boot lock and open it.

You can also try to identify the vehicle's identification number by looking at the dash panel in the dash. The VIN should be visible however sometimes it's hidden behind the plastic cover. It is also possible to find your VIN on your insurance documents or proof of insurance card. If you can't find it, a locksmith could be needed.

It's always recommended to leave the spare key with a person you trust. You can then get into your vehicle if you've forgotten your keys. This will prevent you from calling an expert. You might also keep the spare keys in a secure place like your home.

Keep a slim Jim or other locksmith tools for your vehicle. These tools are inexpensive and can be used to get into your vehicle in case of emergency.

Contact Your Breakdown Provider

Roadside assistance is included in many cars as standard. If you're an AA member or AA or RAC that is the first call you make. This usually covers the cost of calling a locksmith to get you back in your car. If you're unsure about what is included in your breakdown insurance policy or if it's going to incur an extra charge make contact with the company directly to confirm.

It is also worth checking if you have "key assist" included as part of your policy. It's usually an optional option however some companies such as Start Rescue make it a mandatory feature of their policies. If you lock your keys in your car, they will hire a locksmith to come out and transport your keys to your home or garage.

If you're locked out your vehicle, it's vital not to take drastic measures to gain access. This can damage the vehicle and could make your insurance invalid therefore it's not a good idea. Avoid breaking windows since this will make it more difficult to enter the vehicle.

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

If you're worried that your keys could be locked in your car, it is a good idea for you to leave a spare key with a friend or family member. You can also unlock your car with an app for smartphones. This service is offered by several manufacturers such as BMW Mercedes and Vauxhall. You should also think about the 'companion application' in the event that you own a smart car. This allows you to manage the features of your car via an app. Many garages can make duplicate keys for you. If you have a trusted technician near it is an option.

Call a Locksmith

Locking your keys inside your car is a frequent occurrence, particularly for commuters to work or school. If you have a spare car key or an app for your phone that allows you to unlock my car service the doors, it's an easy issue to resolve. If you don't have these tools, it's time to contact experts.

Take a deep breath, and don't be afraid to put your keys in your vehicle. If you panic, it will be difficult to think straight or think of a suitable solution. You can also search on the internet for locksmiths in your area that specialize in access to vehicles. This will ensure that a skilled locksmith arrives at your location quickly, which makes the situation less stressful.

You should call your breakdown service first if you are already a member. If they are not able to open your car without damaging the vehicle they will recommend an experienced locksmith with previous experience working with vehicles. Based on your policy it could be free of charge, or they may have the option of paying a fixed fee for this type of service.

Another option is to speak with an individual locksmith, but it is important to be cautious when doing this. You can find a DBS-checked and vetted locksmith by searching online. You can also verify online if your chosen locksmith opening car door is accredited independently by the Master Locksmiths Association.

If they're locked out of the vehicle, many 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 break into the car yourself, and will often get the job done faster.

Finally, if you are stuck in a public area and you believe there is a risk to other road users or that there are children, elderly people or pets in the car it is recommended to call the police. However, it is recommended to contact your breakdown provider or an expert Auto Locksmith first before doing this as they will be able to provide advice and support in these instances.

Call the police

When you're on the go, it's easy to leave keys in your car. This is especially true when you're not at home. This is a dangerous and stressful situation to be in if you are in the middle nowhere and miles from anyone. It's tempting to get your keys back on your own but it's not a wise idea. You may damage your car and pay more money if you try to force locks on or smash windows.

The first step is to assess the situation. Are you in a safe area and where can you go to return to your car? Next, double-check that your keys really are locked inside the vehicle - it's amazing how to open lock without key often people leave keys in their vehicles when they visit an establishment or post office. If you are able to confirm that your keys are in the car, it's now time to contact us for assistance.

If the police cannot unlock your car, they will help you to find a solution. They can provide guidance and suggest a professional such as a locksmith or garage. They can also tell you if the vehicle features a remote locking feature and if this can be activated via your smartphone. Alternatively, you can leave an extra key with someone who can access your vehicle and use the app on their smartphone to unlock the doors and boot.

It's not a good idea to lock your keys to your car the car, but it's a good idea to be prepared should this occurs. You can quickly solve the problem by staying in a calm state and evaluating all of possibilities. Keep a spare car key in your car, the emergency number of your breakdown service provider on hand, and consider installing an invisible key device in your vehicle to avoid future lockouts. You can also set up an alarm system in your vehicle and have the keys reprogrammed to remove any previous owner's access. This will also stop thieves from using your car as a means to take their own sets of keys.