How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK
It can be stressful when you lock your keys inside the car. There are several ways to get back your keys, but you must take extreme caution when there are children or other vulnerable individuals inside.
The RAC suggests that you attempt to locate your keys prior to calling the police. These DIY methods could damage your vehicle's interior and should only be used as a final option.
Do It Yourself
Locking your keys in your car or in the boot is a common mistake to make. It's more frustrating if you are miles away from your home and can't gain access to your vehicle. There are several options to deal with this problem. It is crucial to remain calm and evaluate the situation. The next step is to figure out a secure way to exit the vehicle without causing damage to it. There are a myriad of ways to do this, ranging from using coat hangers to apps and other methods. The most important thing to remember is not to panic, as this can only increase the severity of the problem.
If you have a spare key, you can use this to enter the car. If your car is equipped with manual locks, this is a good solution. But if you have an automatic vehicle, you might have try a different approach. You can also try to use a long-reach tool, which is a type of rod with an end loop or hook at the end. It can be used to reach the lock on the door or boot and unlock it.
Another option is to get the vehicle identification number (VIN) by taking a look at the dashboard panel on 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 paperwork or proof of insurance. If you're unable to find it, you might need to call an locksmith.
It is always an excellent idea to leave a spare key with someone you are confident in. This will enable you to return to your vehicle if you forget your keys, and it will help you avoid the expense of calling a professional. You may also want to keep the spare keys in a secure place like your home.
It's recommended to keep a slim jim, or any other lockout tool for your vehicle in your vehicle. These tools can be useful to gain access to your car in the case of an emergency and are affordable to purchase.
Call locked keys car is included in many cars as standard. If you're a member of AA or RAC that is the first place you call. This will typically cover the cost of contacting a locksmith and getting you back in your car. 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 cost.
It is also worth checking if you have "key assist" as a part of your policy. This is often an optional extra, but some providers like Start Rescue include it as a core feature of their policies. They'll cover the call-out of a locksmith, and will cover any expenses associated with transferring your keys from the recovery company to your home or garage (if they're close) if you have them locked in your car.
If you're locked out your vehicle, it's vital not to take drastic measures to gain access. This can damage the vehicle and may cause insurance to be cancelled therefore it's not an ideal idea. Avoid breaking windows since this will make it more difficult to enter the vehicle.
If your car is not in danger or you have pets, children or elderly persons, or vulnerable people who are locked in your car there's no need to call emergency services. If there's a risk of heatstroke or other health problems, you should also call the police.
If you're concerned about locking your keys in your car in the future, it's a good idea to leave the spare key with someone in your family or a friend. You can also unlock your car with a smartphone application. Many manufacturers like BMW, Mercedes, and Vauxhall provide this service. You should also consider the 'companion application' in the event that you own a smart car. This will allow you to remotely control the key features of your car through an app. Many garages will create duplicate keys for you. If you have a trusted technician nearby you, this is a possibility.
Contact for a locksmith
Locking your keys inside your car is a very common occurrence, especially for commuters to work or school. If you're fortunate enough to have a spare key or an app on your smart phone that will unlock the doors it is a simple problem to solve. If you don't own the tools, it's time to talk to experts.
Take a deep breath and don't be afraid to lock your keys inside your car. If you panic it will be difficult to think clearly or come up with a good solution. It's also an excellent idea to begin looking online for locksmiths close to you who specialize in access to vehicles. This will ensure that a specialist arrives at your location quickly, which makes the situation less stressful.
If you are a member of a breakdown provider such as 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 suggest an experienced locksmith with expertise with vehicles. This service can be offered free of charge or for an agreed-upon cost, based on the insurance policy you have.
Another option is to call an individual locksmith, but it's crucial to do this with caution. You can locate a vetted and DBS-checked locksmith by searching on the internet. You can also check online if your chosen locksmith 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 could be more costly than hiring an expert. However, they can be cheaper than trying to gain entry into the vehicle yourself, and often get the job done faster.
Finally, if you are stuck in a public area and feel that there is a risk to other road users, or there are children, elderly persons or pets inside the car then it is best to call the police. However, it is recommended to call your breakdown service provider or a specialist Auto Locksmith first before doing this as they will be able to offer assistance and guidance in these scenarios.
Contact the police
When you're out and about it's easy to forget your keys in your car. This is especially true when you're not at home. This is a risky and stressful situation to be in if you're located in the middle nowhere and miles from anyone. You may be tempted to attempt to get your keys back yourself but this is generally an unwise choice. You can damage your car and pay more money if you try to force locks or smash windows.
The first thing you need to do is assess the situation is whether you are in a secure location and where can you go to get back in your car? Make sure you double-check that your keys are locked inside. It's shocking how often people forget to lock them in their vehicles when they visit an outlet or post office. If you're able verify that your keys are in the vehicle then it's time to seek 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 locksmiths or garages. They can also inform you if your vehicle has an option for remote locking and if it is activated by your phone. You can leave a spare car key with someone who has access to your vehicle. They can then make use of an app on their phone to unlock the doors or open the boot.
It's not the best idea to lock your keys to your car however it is best to be prepared in the event that this happens. By being calm and evaluating your options, you'll be able to quickly solve the issue. To avoid future lockouts Always carry an extra key. Keep the emergency number for your breakdown service in the event of an emergency and think about purchasing a key lock which can be connected to your car. Install an alarm system in your vehicle and reprogram the keys to remove access from previous owners. This will stop thieves from using your vehicle to steal your keys.