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How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK If you've locked your keys in your car the UK, it can be an extremely stressful situation. There are many ways to get back your keys, but you must take extreme caution if there are children or other vulnerable people in the car. The RAC suggests that you attempt to recover your keys before calling the police. DIY methods can cause damage to the interior of your car and should only be used as an option last option. Do It Yourself Locking your keys in your car or boot is a common mistake to make. It's even more inconvenient especially if you're far away from home and can't gain access to your vehicle. There are fortunately, several options to deal with this issue. It is crucial to remain calm and analyze the situation. The next step is to figure out a way to get out of the car without causing damage to it. There are many ways to do this, from using coat hangers to apps and other methods. It is crucial not to panic, as this can increase the risk of problems. If you have an extra key you can use it to get into the car. This is usually a good option for cars that have locks that are manual, however you might need to consider other methods in the event of an automatic car. You can also use the long reach tool that is a rod that has a loop or hook at the end. It can be used to open the door or lock for boot and then unlock it. Another option is to locate the vehicle identification number (VIN) by taking a look at the dashboard panel on the dash. The number should be displayed however sometimes it's hidden behind a plastic cover. You can also locate your VIN on your insurance documents or on the insurance card you have proof of. If you can't find it, a locksmith could be required. It is advisable to leave the spare car keys with someone you trust. This will let you return to your car if you forget your keys, and will help you avoid the expense of calling a professional. You may also want to keep the spare keys in a safe place like your home. It is also a good idea to keep a slim jim, or other tools for locking out your car, in your vehicle. These tools can be useful for getting into your car in the case of an emergency and they are not expensive to purchase. Call Your Breakdown Provider Many cars come with 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. It will typically cover the cost to call a locksmith to get you back into your car. If you're uncertain about the coverage of your breakdown policy, or if it will be a cost you should contact the provider directly to confirm. It's also worth checking if you have “key assist” as part of your policy. It's typically an optional feature however some companies such as Start Rescue make it a mandatory feature of their policies. They'll pay for the call out of a locksmith, and will cover the cost of transporting 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 any drastic steps to gain access. This could cause damage to the vehicle and may invalidate your insurance and is therefore not an ideal idea. Avoid breaking windows since this will make it more difficult to get inside the vehicle. There's no reason to call emergency services unless your vehicle is in a dangerous situation or you have children or pets in your car. You should also call the police if you are at a risk of heatstroke, or any other health issue. If you are worried that your keys might be locked in your car, it is recommended to leave a spare with a friend or family member. You can also unlock your car with an app for smartphones. Numerous manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes, and Vauxhall offer this service. You should also think about the 'companion application' in the event that you own a smart car. This will allow you to manage the features of your car via an application. Alternatively, many garages can create a duplicate key on behalf of you, so if you have a trusted mechanic close by it could be a viable option. Contact a locksmith It is not uncommon 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 on your smart phone that can unlock your doors it is a simple problem to deal with. If you don't own these tools, 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 more difficult to think straight or think of a suitable solution. It is also a good idea to start searching online for locksmiths near you that specialise in vehicle access. This will ensure that a professional arrives at your location quickly and make the experience less stressful. If you are an employee of a breakdown company such as the AA or RAC then this should be your first port of call. If they are not able to unlock your car without damaging the vehicle they will suggest an experienced locksmith who has previous experience working with vehicles. This service may be provided free of charge or at a fixed fee, depending on your insurance policy. You can also get in touch with locksmiths, but you should proceed with caution. A search on the internet will help you locate an experienced and reliable locksmith who has been DBS checked and vetted. It is also recommended that your chosen locksmith has been independently accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association, which can be verified online. Many people also resort to local garages when they're locked out of their car but this is more expensive than calling an expert. They are less expensive than attempting your own luck to gain access to the vehicle, and they will complete the task much quicker. In the end, if you're stuck in a public space and you feel there is a risk for other road users, or there are elderly, children or pets inside the car it is recommended to contact the police. It is best to call your breakdown provider, or an Auto Locksmith specialist first. budget-friendly mobility scooters can give you advice and assistance. Call the police It's easy to forget your keys in the car when you're hurrying out the door for work or to pick up your children from school, particularly when you're away from home. If you're located in a remote area far from any one it's an even more difficult and risky situation to find yourself in. You may be tempted try to retrieve your keys yourself but this is generally a bad idea. You could damage your vehicle and pay more money if you try to force locks or smash windows. First, you should examine the situation. Are you in a secure area or are you able to return to your car? Next, double-check that your keys are locked inside. It's surprising how often people leave them in their cars when they visit an establishment or post office. If you can confirm that your keys are in the car, it's time to call for help. The police will not be in a position to unlock your vehicle, but they can help you find an answer. They can give guidance and suggest a professional such as a locksmith or garage. They will also be able tell you if your vehicle is equipped with the option of a remote lock and if it is able to be activated via 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 open the doors or boot. It's not a good idea to lock the keys to your car inside, but it's best to be prepared in the event that this occurs. You can easily solve the issue by staying in a calm state and evaluating all of your options. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle as well as the emergency number of your breakdown service provider handy, and consider installing a key lock hidden on your vehicle to prevent further lockouts. You can also set up an alarm system for your vehicle and then have the keys reset to block any previous owner's access. This will stop thieves from using the car to steal their own keys.