how to open car keys locked inside to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK

If you have locked your keys inside your car the UK, it can be an extremely stressful experience. There are many ways to retrieve your keys but you must always exercise extreme caution, particularly if there are young children or vulnerable people locked inside.

The RAC suggests you try to recover your keys before calling the police. DIY methods can cause damage to the interior of your vehicle and should only be only used as a 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 are unable to get into the vehicle. There are fortunately, a few options for dealing with this issue. The most important thing is to stay calm and assess the situation. The next step is to try to figure out how to get to get out of the vehicle without causing any damage to it. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish this, from using coat hangers to trying out apps and other methods. It is essential not to be overly anxious as this could make things worse.

If you have a spare key you can use it to get into the car. If your car is equipped with manual locks, this is a good solution. If it's an automated vehicle, you may have to look for a different method. You could also make use of a long-reach tool which is a type of rod with loop or hook on the end. This can be used to open the door or boot lock and then unlock it.

Another option is to get the vehicle identification number (VIN) by checking the dash panel on the dashboard. The VIN should be visible however, sometimes it's hidden behind the plastic cover. You can also find your VIN on your insurance documents or on the insurance card you have proof of. If you cannot find it, a locksmith could be needed.

It's always recommended to leave the spare key with a person you can trust. This will allow you to return to your vehicle when you misplace your keys, and will help you avoid the expense of calling an expert. You might also keep the spare keys in a safe location like your home.

Keep an extra slim Jim or another automotive lockouts lockout tool in your vehicle. These tools are cheap and are able to be used to get into your vehicle in an emergency.

Call Your Breakdown Provider

Many cars have 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 will usually cover the cost to call an emergency locksmith to get back into your car. If you're unsure about what is included in your breakdown policy or if it's going to incur an extra charge make contact with the company directly to be sure.

It is also worth checking if you have "key assist" included in your policy. It's typically 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 hire a locksmith to come out and transport your keys to your house or garage.

If you're locked out your car, it's crucial not to take drastic steps to gain access. This could cause damage to your vehicle and invalidate insurance. It's not a good idea. You should also avoid breaking windows because this could make it difficult to get my keys out of my car inside.

There's no reason to contact emergency services unless your vehicle is in a dangerous position or you have children or pets in your car. You should also contact 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 an individual from your family or a friend. You can also use a smartphone app that allows you to unlock your car without the physical key. Numerous brands such as BMW, Mercedes, and Vauxhall, offer this service. If you own a car with a smart feature, it's also worth looking into its 'companion app' which allows you to control key features of your car remotely via an app that you can download to your phone. There are many garages that can make a duplicate key for you, so if you have a trusted mechanic close by it could be an option.

Call a Locksmith

Locking your keys inside your car is a very frequent occurrence, particularly for those who commute to work or school. If you are lucky enough to have a spare key or an app on your smart phone that will unlock your doors it is a straightforward problem to deal with. If you don't have the tools, it's time to call experts.

Take a deep breath, and don't be afraid to lock your keys inside your vehicle. If you panic, it will be harder to think straight or come up with a good solution. It's also a good idea to start looking online for locksmiths close to you that specialise in vehicle access. This will ensure that a professional arrives quickly and make the situation less stressful.

If you are an active member of a breakdown service like the RAC or the AA, then this should be your first port of call. If they are unable to unlock your car without damaging the vehicle, they will recommend an experienced locksmith with expertise with vehicles. Depending on your policy, this could be free of charge, or they may have a set fee for this type of service.

Another option is to call the locksmith directly, however it's crucial to be cautious when doing this. You can locate a vetted and DBS-checked locksmith by searching online. It is also advisable to confirm that your chosen locksmith has been independently certified by the Master Locksmiths Association, which can be done online.

If they're locked out of the car, many people turn to their local garage. However, this could be more costly than hiring a professional. However, they can be cheaper than trying to break into the car yourself and can usually complete the task much faster.

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

Contact the police

If you're on the move it's easy to lose your 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're located in the middle of nowhere, miles away from anyone. It's tempting to try and find your keys on your own however it's not a wise idea. You may damage your car and pay more money if you attempt to force locks or break windows.

The first thing to do is assess the situation is whether you are in a secure area and where do you go to get back in your car? Make sure your keys are locked inside the car. It's astonishing how many people lose their keys in their cars when they go to the shop or the post office. If you can confirm that your keys remain in the vehicle, it's time to seek help.

If the police cannot unlock your car, they can help you to find a solution. They can offer suggestions and recommend professionals, such as locksmiths or garages. They can also inform you if your car features the option of locking via remote and if it can be activated using your phone. You can also leave a spare vehicle key with someone who has access to your vehicle. They can then utilize an app on their phone to open the doors or the boot.

While it's never ideal to lock your keys in your car, it's better to be prepared for this scenario. By being calm and evaluating your options, you'll be able to quickly solve the issue. Keep a spare car key in your vehicle and the emergency number of your breakdown service provider in case of need and think about installing an invisible key device in your vehicle to avoid future lockouts. You can also set up an alarm system in your vehicle and then have the keys reprogrammed to remove any previous owner's access. This will also stop thieves from using your car as a way to steal their own sets of keys.