Getting locked out of your car frustrating and can happen to anyone. Whether you’ve misplaced your keys, left them inside the vehicle or encountered a faulty lock, finding yourself unable to access your car can disrupt your day and cause significant stress.
However, it’s crucial to remain calm in this situation. Panic can cloud your judgment and lead to hasty decisions that might worsen the problem.
This guide will walk you through the steps to take if you find yourself locked out of your car, ensuring you can resolve the issue safely and efficiently.
Check all doors and boot
Before taking any drastic measures, it’s essential to check all possible entry points to your vehicle. Start by trying each door handle, including the passenger and rear doors, if your car has them. Sometimes, in a rush or distraction, you might think you’ve locked all doors when one remains unlocked. Don’t forget to check the boot as well. In some car models, you can access the main cabin through the boot, which could solve your problem immediately.
While checking the doors, take a close look at all the windows. You might find one of them partially open. Even a small gap could be enough to manipulate the lock or reach in and unlock the door. However, be cautious if attempting this method, as you don’t want to damage the window or draw unwanted attention that might be mistaken for an attempted break-in.
Locate your spare key
If you’ve confirmed all doors are locked, the next step is to try to locate a spare key. Many of us carry a spare key in our wallet or bag as a precaution. Take a moment to search your belongings. Check all pockets, compartments in your bag and any other places where you might have stashed a spare car key.
If you can’t find a spare key on your person, consider whether you’ve given one to a family member or friend. Give them a call to see if they can bring the spare key to you. This might take some time, but it’s often the simplest and most cost-effective solution. If you live or work nearby, you might also consider whether you have a spare key at home or in your office that someone could bring to you.
Contact your breakdown service
Many motorists in the UK are members of breakdown services such as the AA, RAC or Green Flag. If you have such coverage, this should be one of your first calls. Check your policy or membership details to see if they include assistance for lockouts. Most comprehensive policies cover this type of situation.
When you call your breakdown service, be prepared to provide your membership number, your exact location and details about your vehicle. They’ll typically send a patrol vehicle to your location. The wait time can vary depending on your location and the current demand for services. Still, they usually prioritise members who are in potentially dangerous situations, such as being locked out on a busy road or late at night.
The breakdown service professional will attempt to get into your vehicle using specialist tools. They’re trained to do this without causing damage to your car. In most cases, they can resolve the issue on the spot. However, if they’re unable to gain entry, they might tow your vehicle to a garage or recommend a locksmith.
Call a professional auto locksmith
If you don’t have breakdown coverage or if your service provider is unable to help, your next best option is to call a professional auto locksmith. Auto locksmiths specialise in vehicle locks and keys, making them the most qualified professionals to handle your situation.
When choosing an auto locksmith, look for one who specialises in the make and model of your car. Many modern vehicles have sophisticated locking systems, and you want someone familiar with them. Seek out a locksmith registered with the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) for added peace of mind.
When you call, ask for an estimate of the cost and the waiting time. Reputable locksmiths should be able to provide this information upfront.
During the emergency car opening process, the locksmith will use specialist tools to get into your vehicle without causing damage. They may also be able to create a new key on the spot if yours is lost or locked inside. This service can be more expensive than other options, but it’s often the quickest and most reliable solution, especially outside of regular business hours.
Contact your car manufacturer
For newer vehicles, contacting your car manufacturer might be a viable option. Many modern cars come with connected services that allow for remote car unlocking. If your vehicle is equipped with such a system, the manufacturer might be able to unlock your car remotely.
To use this service, you’ll typically need to have previously set up an account and activated the connected services. You’ll also need to prove your identity and ownership of the vehicle. While this method can be convenient, it may not be available for all car models or in all areas.
Even if remote unlocking isn’t an option, your car manufacturer’s customer service might be able to provide guidance specific to your vehicle model or direct you to authorised services in your area.
Consider your insurance provider
Your car insurance policy might cover lockouts. Check your policy documents or call your insurance provider to see if this is included in your coverage. Some insurance companies have partnerships with local locksmiths or breakdown services and can arrange assistance for you.
If your policy covers locksmith services, make sure to follow their process when making a claim. This usually involves calling their claims line before arranging any services yourself. Keep all receipts and documentation related to the lockout, as you may need these to process your claim.
Remember that using this service might be considered a claim on your insurance, which could potentially affect your no-claims bonus. Weigh this against the cost of paying for a locksmith out of pocket.
Temporary solutions while waiting
While waiting for assistance to arrive, it’s essential to ensure your safety and comfort. If you’re in a public place, try to find a safe area nearby where you can wait. This might be a shop, café or public building. If you’re in a remote location, stay with your vehicle, but be aware of your surroundings.
Consider the weather conditions. If it’s cold, try to stay warm by moving around or using any warm clothing you have with you. In hot weather, seek shade and stay hydrated. If you have a phone with you, this is a good time to inform friends or family about your situation, especially if you’re going to be late for an appointment or work.
What not to do
When you’re stressed about being locked out, it might be tempting to try DIY methods to get back into your car.
However, this can often lead to more problems than it solves. Avoid using coat hangers, jimmies or other improvised tools to try and unlock your car. These methods can damage your car’s locking mechanism, weather seals or windows, potentially leading to costly repairs.
Similarly, resist the urge to break a window to gain entry. This should be considered in only extreme emergencies, such as if a child or pet is locked inside the car in hot weather. Breaking a window will not only be expensive to repair but could also result in injury.
How can Grays Locksmiths Nottingham help?
Being locked out of your car can be a stressful experience, but it’s a common problem with several potential solutions. The key is to stay calm, assess your options and choose the most appropriate course of action for your situation. Whether it’s contacting your breakdown service, calling a professional locksmith or reaching out to your car manufacturer, help is available.
Prevention is always better than cure, so take steps to avoid future lockouts. Keep spare keys in a safe place and always double-check that you have your keys before locking your car.
Don’t let a lockout ruin your day. Save our number in your phone now, so you’ll always have reliable help from our team of expert locksmiths at your fingertips if you ever find yourself locked out of your vehicle. Your peace of mind is our top priority.