How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK
It can be stressful if you lock your keys inside the car. There are a variety of methods to retrieve your keys, however you should always exercise extreme caution if you have children or other vulnerable people inside.
The RAC recommends that you attempt to recover your keys yourself before calling the police. DIY methods like these can cause damage to the interior of your car and should only be used as a final resort.
Do It Yourself
Locking your keys in your car or in the boot is an easy mistake to make. It's even more annoying especially if you're miles away from home and are unable to get into the vehicle. There are several solutions to this problem. It is essential to remain calm and analyze the situation. Next, you need to find a safe method to exit the vehicle 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 is not to be in a panic, as this will only increase the severity of the problem.
If you have an extra key, you can use this to enter the car. This is usually a great option for cars with locks that are manual, however you might need to consider other tactics in the case of an automatic car. https://www.g28carkeys.co.uk/car-opening-unlock-your-vehicle/ can also try to make use of a long-reach tool which is a kind of rod that has a hook or loop on the end. This can be used to open the door or boot lock 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 displayed, but 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 are unable to locate it, you might have to contact an locksmith.
It's always a good idea to leave a spare key with someone you can trust. It is then possible to get into your vehicle if you've forgotten your keys. This will prevent you from having to call an expert. It is also advisable to keep the spare key in a secure location, such as your house.
Keep a slim Jim or other locksmith tools for your vehicle. These tools can be useful for getting into your car in the event of an emergency, and they are inexpensive to purchase.
Call Your Breakdown Provider
Roadside assistance is included in a lot of cars as standard. If you're a member of AA or RAC, this should be the first call you make. This will typically cover the cost of contacting a locksmith and getting you back into your car. Contact your service directly if you aren't sure of what is covered under your breakdown policy, or if there will be an additional charge.
It is also important to determine whether your policy contains 'key assistance'. It's typically an optional feature however some companies such as Start Rescue make it a standard element of their policies. If you lock your keys in your car, they'll pay for a locksmith to come out and transport your keys to your home or garage.
It is important not to take drastic measures when you're locked out of your car. This could damage the vehicle and could invalidate your insurance and is therefore not a good idea. It is also recommended to be careful not to break windows, since this could make it even difficult to get inside.
If your vehicle isn't in a danger zone, or you have pets, children or elderly persons, or vulnerable people locked in the car it's not necessary to call emergency services. If there's a chance of heatstroke or any other health issue, you should also call the police.
If you're worried about locking your keys inside your car in the future it's a good idea to leave the spare key with a family member or friend. You can also unlock your car with a smartphone application. This service is provided by a variety of manufacturers such as BMW Mercedes and Vauxhall. You should also think about the 'companion application' in the event that you own a car with a smart system. This allows you to remotely control the key features of your car via an application. Additionally, many garages will make a duplicate key for you, so if have a trusted mechanic close by it could be a possibility.
Contact an expert locksmith
It is not unusual for people to lock their keys inside their cars, particularly those who commute. 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 don't have these options and you are in need of help, then it's time to contact experts!
The first thing you need to do if you have locked the keys to your car is to breathe deeply and try not to panic. If you panic, it will be harder to think clearly and find a solution. It is also an excellent idea to begin looking for locksmiths online near you that specialise in access to vehicles. This will ensure a specialist will arrive quickly and make the experience less stressful.
If you are a member of a breakdown provider like the RAC or AA then this should be your first point of contact. They are usually capable of gaining access into your vehicle without causing any damage to it, however in the event that they are unable to then they will likely recommend a locksmith who is experienced in working on vehicles. Based on your policy, this could be free of charge, or they may have a set cost for this kind of service.
Another option is to contact an individual locksmith, but it is important to be cautious when doing this. You can find an accredited and DBS-checked locksmith by searching on the internet. You can also check online if the locksmith you choose is independently accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association.
When they are locked out of their car, many people turn to their local garage. However, this could be more costly than calling an expert. However, they can still be less expensive than attempting to break into the car yourself and can usually complete the task much faster.
If you're stuck in a public place and you believe there is a risk for other road users or that there are elderly, children or pets in the vehicle then you should call the police. However, it is recommended that you call your breakdown provider or an expert Auto Locksmith first before doing this, as they will be able to offer assistance and guidance in these scenarios.
Call the Police
It's easy to forget your keys in the car while you're hurrying out of the door to work or to collect your children from school, particularly if it happens while you're away from home. This is a very risky and difficult situation to find yourself in if you're located in the middle of nowhere far from any one. You may be tempted attempt to retrieve your keys yourself however this is generally a bad idea. You can damage your car and pay more money if you attempt to force locks or smash windows.
The first thing you need to take note of the situation Are you in a secure location and where do you go to get back in your car? Then, make sure that your keys are locked inside - it's amazing how often people leave keys in their cars when they visit a store or the post office. If you're able confirm that your keys are still in the car, it's time to call for help.
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If the police cannot unlock your car, they can assist you in finding an answer. They can offer guidance and suggest professionals, like a garage or locksmith. They'll also be able to inform you if your vehicle has the option of a remote lock and if it's able to be activated using your smartphone. 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 open the doors or the boot.
It's not the best idea to lock your keys to your car, but it's best to be prepared should this occurs. By being calm and evaluating your options, you can quickly solve the issue. Keep a spare car key in your car as well as the emergency number of your breakdown service provider on hand 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 also stop thieves from using your car as a means to take their own sets of keys.
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