How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK
It could be a stressful time when you lock your keys inside the car. There are a variety of ways to retrieve your keys, but you must take extreme caution if you have children or other vulnerable individuals inside.
The RAC recommends that you attempt to recover your keys on your own before calling the police. These DIY methods could damage the interior of your vehicle and should only be used as a last resort.
Do It Yourself
Locking your keys in your car or boot is an easy mistake to make. It's even more annoying when you're miles from your home and cannot get into your car. There are a variety of options to deal with this problem. It is essential to remain calm and assess the situation. Next, you need to find a safe method to get out of the vehicle without causing any damage to it. There are a variety of strategies for doing this, from using coat hangers to testing out apps and other methods. It is essential not to be overly anxious as this could increase the risk of problems.
You can use a spare car key to open the vehicle. This is usually a good option for cars that have locks that are manual, however you may have to try different methods in the case of a car that is automated. You can also make use of the long reach tool which is a rod with hook or loop at the end. This tool can be used to open the door or lock for boot and open it.
Another option is to find the vehicle identification number (VIN) by looking at the panel on the dash. This number should be visible, however it may be hidden behind the cover. You can also find your VIN on your insurance documents or on the insurance card you have proof of. If you are unable to locate it, a locksmith might be needed.
You should always leave a spare car key with someone you trust. You can then get into your vehicle if you have lost your keys. This will save you from calling a professional. You might also think about putting the spare in a safe location such as your home.
Keep a slim Jim or other locksmith tools for your car. These tools are cheap and are able to be used to get into your vehicle in case of emergency.
Call Your Breakdown Provider
Many cars come with roadside assistance, and if you're a member of the AA or RAC then this should be your first point of call. This usually covers the cost of calling a locksmith, and getting you back into your car. Contact your service directly if you are unsure of the coverage of your breakdown policy, or if there will be an additional cost.
You should also check if your policy includes "key assistance". It's often an optional feature 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 pay for a locksmith to arrive and take your keys to your home or garage.
It's important to not take extreme measures while locked outside your car. This could damage the vehicle and could make your insurance invalid therefore it's not an ideal idea. Also, avoid breaking windows since this could make it difficult to get inside.
Unless your car is in danger, or you have children, pets, elderly people, or vulnerable people locked in the car, there's no need to call the emergency services. If you're at risk of heatstroke or other health problems you should also contact the police.
If you're worried about locking your keys inside your car in future, it's a good idea to leave an extra key with someone in your family or a friend. You can also use a smartphone application that allows you to unlock your car without using keys that are physically present. This service is offered by a variety of manufacturers such as BMW Mercedes and Vauxhall. If you own a car with a smart feature is a good idea to look into its 'companion app', which will allow you to control the most important features of your car remotely via an app on your phone. Many garages will create duplicate keys for you. If you have a trusted technician nearby you, this is a possibility.
Contact a locksmith
It is not unusual for people to lock their keys inside their cars, particularly those who commute. If you're fortunate enough to have a spare key or an app for your smart phone that will unlock the doors, then this is a simple problem to resolve. If locked myself out of car don't have these options available and you are in need of help, then it's time to call in experts!
The first thing you must do if you've locked your keys inside your car is to breathe deeply and try not to get stressed. If you panic it will be difficult to think clearly or find a viable solution. It's also recommended to begin looking online for locksmiths close to you who specialize in vehicle access. This will ensure that a skilled locksmith comes out to your location quickly, which will make the process less stressful.
It is best to contact your breakdown provider first if you are an active member. If they are unable to unlock your car without damaging the vehicle they will recommend a professional locksmith who has previous experience working with vehicles. Based on your policy, this might be a free service or they might charge an agreed-upon cost for this kind of service.
You can also get in touch with a locksmith but proceed with caution. You can locate an accredited and DBS-checked locksmith by searching online. It is also advisable to confirm that the locksmith you select has been independently certified by the Master Locksmiths Association, which can be done online.
If they are locked out of their car, many people turn to their local garage. However, this can be more costly than hiring an expert. However, they can still be less expensive than attempting to break into your car yourself, and usually complete the task much faster.
In the end, if you're stuck in a public area and you believe there is a risk to other road users or there are children, elderly persons or pets inside the car then you should contact the police. However, it is always recommended to contact your breakdown service provider or a specialist Auto Locksmith first before doing this because they'll be able to give assistance and advice in these scenarios.
Call the Police
When you're out and about it's easy to lose keys in your car. This is especially true if not at home. This is a very risky and difficult situation to be in if you're located in the middle of nowhere and miles from anyone. You may be tempted attempt to get your keys back yourself, but this is usually an unwise choice. You can damage your car and end up paying more if you try to force locks or break windows.
The first thing you should do is assess the situation is whether you are in a secure location and where can you go to return to your vehicle? Make sure your keys are secured in the car. It's amazing how many people forget their keys in their cars as they visit the store or post office. If you are able to confirm that your keys remain in the car, it's time to call for help.
The police won't be in a position to unlock your vehicle, but they can assist you in finding an answer. They can give you guidance and suggest professionals, like a garage or locksmith. They can also inform you if your vehicle has an option for remote locking and if this can be activated by your phone. Alternatively, you can leave the spare key with someone who is able to access your vehicle and use the app on their phone to open the doors and boot.
It's not a good idea to lock the keys to your car inside the car, but it's a good idea to be prepared in case this happens. You can quickly solve the issue by staying at peace and evaluating all possibilities. Keep a spare car key in your car and the emergency number of your breakdown service provider handy and think about installing an invisible key device in your car to prevent future lockouts. Install an alarm system in your car and reprogram the keys to remove access from previous owners. This will stop thieves from using the vehicle to steal keys.