How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK

If you have locked your keys in car UK, it can be an extremely stressful experience. There are many ways to retrieve your keys however, you must use extreme caution, especially when there are children or vulnerable people trapped inside.

The RAC suggests that you try to find your keys yourself before calling the police. These DIY methods may cause damage to the interior of your vehicle and should be used as the last resort.

Do It Yourself

It's simple to lock your keys in the car's boot or in the trunk. It's even more annoying if it happens when you're far from home and unable to get into the vehicle. There are fortunately several options to deal with this problem. It is important to remain calm and evaluate the situation. The next step is to figure out a way to get to get out of the car without causing any damage to it. There are a myriad of ways to do this, ranging from using coat hangers to trying out apps and other methods. The most important thing to remember 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 open the vehicle. If your car is equipped with manual locks this is a good solution. However, if it's an automatic vehicle, you may have to try another method. You can also employ a long-reach device, which is a kind of rod with loop or hook on the end. This tool can be used to open the door or boot lock and unlock it.

You can also try to locate the vehicle identification number by looking at the panel on the dash. The VIN should be visible however sometimes it's hidden behind the plastic cover. You can also locate your VIN in your insurance paperwork or on the insurance card you have proof of. If you're unable to find it, you might have to contact an locksmith.

Always leave a spare car key with someone who you are confident. You can then access your vehicle in case you've forgotten your keys. This will spare you from having to call a professional. You might also think about putting the spare in a secure place such as your home.

It is also a good idea to keep a slim jim, or other automotive lockout tools, in your vehicle. These tools can be useful to gain access to your car in the situation of an emergency and they are not expensive to purchase.

Contact Your Breakdown Provider

Roadside assistance is included in many cars as standard. If you are an AA member or G28Carkeys AA or RAC, this should be the first call you make. This will usually cover the cost of calling locksmiths to help you get back into your car. Contact your provider directly if are unsure of the coverage of your breakdown policy, or if there will be an additional charge.

It's also worth checking whether you have "key assist" included as a part of your policy. This is often an optional add-on, but some providers like Start Rescue include it as a core feature of their policies. If you lock your keys in your car, they'll pay for a locksmith come out and transport your keys to your house or garage.

If you're locked out of your car, it's important not to take any drastic steps to gain access. This could damage your vehicle and invalidate your insurance. It's not a good idea. Avoid breaking windows since this makes it harder to get into the vehicle.

If your car is not 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. You should also call the police if you are at an increased risk of heatstroke or other health issues.

If you're worried about locking your keys in your car in future, it's a good idea leave a spare key with an individual from your family or with a friend. You can also use a smartphone app that can unlock your car without keys that are physically present. Numerous brands like BMW, Mercedes, and Vauxhall offer this service. If you own a car with a smart feature you should also look into its 'companion app' which allows you to control the most important features of your car remotely via an app for your smartphone. Many garages will create duplicate keys for you. If you have a trusted technician nearby you, this is a possibility.

Contact a locksmith

Locking your keys inside your car is a frequent occurrence, particularly for commuters to work or school. If you have an extra car key or an application for your smartphone that unlocks the doors, this is an easy issue to resolve. If you do not have these options, then it is time to contact the experts!

Take a deep breath and don't worry if you lock your keys inside your vehicle. If you panic, then it will be more difficult to think clearly and find a solution. You can also search online for locksmiths in your area who specialize in access to vehicles. This will ensure that a professional arrives at your location quickly, which will make the situation less stressful.

If you are a member of a breakdown provider like the AA or RAC then this should be your first point of contact. If they are unable unlock your car without damaging the vehicle, they will recommend a professional locksmith who has experience with vehicles. This service can be offered free of charge or for a fixed fee, depending on the insurance policy you have.

Another option is to speak with the locksmith directly, however it's crucial to take your time when you contact a locksmith. You can locate a vetted and DBS-checked locksmith by searching online. You can also verify online to see if the locksmith you select is independently accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association.

Many people also resort to their local garages when they're locked out of their vehicle, but this can be more expensive than calling professionals. They may be less expensive than trying your luck to unlock the vehicle and accomplish the job faster.

In the end, if you're stuck in a public place and you feel there is a risk to other road users or there are children, elderly people or pets in the car then you should contact the police. However, it is always recommended that you call your breakdown provider or a specialist Auto Locksmith first before doing this, as they will be able to offer assistance and advice in these instances.

Contact the police

When you're on the go it's easy to lose your keys in your car. This is especially true when you're not at home. This is a risky and difficult situation to find yourself in if you're located in the middle nowhere and miles from anyone. You may be tempted attempt to retrieve your keys yourself, but this is usually an unwise choice. You can damage your car and pay more money if you try to force locks or break windows.

The first thing you need to do is assess the situation Are you in a secure area and how do you to return to your vehicle? Then, make sure that your keys are locked inside. It's surprising how to open a car door without a key often people forget to lock them in their vehicles when they go to an outlet or post office. If you're able confirm that your keys are in the vehicle and you're not sure, seek help.

The police will not be in a position to unlock your vehicle, but they will assist you in finding the solution. They can give you guidance and suggest professionals, such as locksmiths or garages. They can also inform you if the vehicle comes with the option of locking via remote and if it is activated using your phone. You can leave a spare car key with someone who has access to your vehicle. They can then use an app on their phone to open the doors or open the boot.

It's not ideal to lock your car keys inside the car, but it's a good idea to be prepared in the event that this occurs. By staying calm and assessing your options, you'll be able to quickly resolve the problem. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle as well as the emergency number of your breakdown service provider handy, and consider installing a hidden key device on your car to prevent future lockouts. You could also install an alarm system in your vehicle and then have the keys reset to block any previous owner's access. This will prevent thieves from using the vehicle to steal keys.