15 Things You Didn t Know About Locked Keys In Car Uk
How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK
It could be a stressful time if you lock your keys in the car. There are many ways to get back your keys, but you must always exercise extreme caution if there are children or other vulnerable individuals inside.
The RAC recommends that you try to recover your keys before calling the police. These DIY methods could damage the interior of your car and should only be only 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 easily access your vehicle. There are a variety of solutions to this issue. It is crucial to remain calm and assess the situation. The next step is to figure out a way to get to get out of the vehicle without causing damage to it. There are a myriad of ways to accomplish this, from using coat hangers to trying out different apps and methods. The most important thing is to not panic, as this can only increase the severity of the problem.
If you have a spare key, you can use this to get into the car door open. If your car is equipped with manual locks, this is a good solution. But if it's an automatic vehicle, you may have to try another method. You can also employ a long reach tool, that is a rod that has hook or loop at the end. This tool can be used to unlock the boot or door lock.
You can also try to locate the vehicle identification number by looking at the panel in the dash. The number should be visible, but it can sometimes be hidden behind the cover. You can also locate your VIN on your insurance documents or on your insurance proof card. If you're unable to find it, you might have to contact a locksmith.
It is always a good idea to leave a spare key with someone you can trust. This will allow you to return to your car if you forget your keys. It will reduce the cost of calling a professional. You may also want to think about putting the spare in a safe location such as your home.
It's an excellent idea to keep a slim jim or other automotive lockout car tools, in your vehicle. These tools are cheap and are able to be used to get into your vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Call Your Breakdown Provider
Roadside assistance is offered in a lot of cars as standard. If you are an active member of AA or RAC it should be the first place you call. This usually covers the cost of calling a locksmith and getting you back in your car. Contact your service directly if you are not sure what is covered by your breakdown policy, or should you be concerned about an additional cost.
It's also worth checking if you have 'key assist' in your policy. It's usually an optional option however some companies like Start Rescue make it a standard part of their policies. They'll pay for the call-out of a locksmith and pay any costs associated with transporting your keys from the recovery service to your garage or home (if they're close) when you've got them i locked my keys in my car in your car.
If you're locked out of your car, it's crucial not to take drastic steps to gain access. This can damage the vehicle and could invalidate your insurance and is therefore not an ideal idea. Avoid breaking windows as it makes it harder to get into the vehicle.
Unless your car is in danger or you have pets, children or elderly persons, or vulnerable people locked in the car, there's no need to call the emergency services. You should also contact the police if you think there's a risk of heatstroke, or any other health issue.
If you're worried that your keys will be locked in your car, it is recommended to leave a spare with a friend or family member. You can also unlock your car using a smartphone application. Many manufacturers, including 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 will allow you to control key features of your car remotely through an app on your phone. Additionally, many garages will create a duplicate key on behalf of you, so if you have a reliable mechanic in your area then this might be a possibility.
Call a locksmith
It is not unusual for people to lock their keys in their vehicle, especially for those who commute. If you happen to have a spare key or an app for your smartphone that can unlock the doors and open the car, then this is an easy situation to solve. If you don't own these tools, it's time to talk to experts.
Take a deep breath, and don't worry if you lock your keys inside your vehicle. If you panic, it will be difficult to think straight or think of a suitable solution. You can also search online for local locksmiths who specialize in vehicle access. This will ensure that a specialist arrives at your place quickly, making the situation less stressful.
If you are an active member of a breakdown service such as the RAC or AA then this should be your first port of call. If they are not able to open your car without damaging the vehicle, they will recommend an experienced locksmith with experience with vehicles. Based on your policy, this might be a no-cost service, or they may have an agreed-upon price for this service.
Another option is to speak with an individual locksmith, but it is important to do this with caution. You can locate a vetted and DBS-checked locksmith by searching online. It is also recommended to check that the locksmith you select has been independently accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association, which is possible online.
When they are locked out of their car, many people turn to their local garage. However, this can be more expensive than calling an expert. However, they can still be cheaper than trying to gain entry into the vehicle yourself, and will often get the job done much faster.
If you are in a public area and believe that there is a risk to other motorists, or there are pets, elderly, or children in your car, it is best to call the police. However, it is always recommended to call your breakdown service provider or an expert Auto Locksmith first before doing this, as they will be able to provide assistance and guidance in these scenarios.
Call the police
If you're on the move it's easy to lose your keys in your car. This is especially true if you're not at home. If you're in a remote area far from any one, this is an even more difficult and dangerous situation to be in. It's tempting to try and retrieve your keys by yourself but it's not a smart idea. Trying to force locks or break windows can cause damage to your vehicle and cost you more in the end.
The first thing you should do is assess the situation is whether you are in a secure area and how do you to get back in your car? Make sure you double-check that your keys are locked inside the vehicle - it's surprising how often people leave them in their cars when they visit a store or the post office. If you can confirm that your keys remain in the car, it's now time to contact us for assistance.
The police will not be in a position to unlock your vehicle, but they will help you find the solution. They can give you guidance and suggest professionals, like a garage or locksmith. They can also tell you if your car has a remote locking feature and if it is activated using your phone. You can also leave a spare car key with someone who has access to your vehicle. They can then make use of an app on their smartphone to unlock the doors or open the boot.
It's not ideal to lock your keys to your car, but it's best to be prepared in case this occurs. By staying calm and assessing your options, you will be able to quickly solve the issue. To avoid future lockouts ensure you have an extra key, keep the emergency number for your breakdown service in the event of an emergency and consider purchasing an invisible key device which can be connected to your car. You can also install an alarm system on your vehicle and have the car keys reprogrammed to remove any previous owner's access. This will also prevent thieves from using your car as a vehicle to steal their own sets of keys.