What to Do If You Lock the Only Key Inside Your Car?

Every car owner can face the unpleasant situation of locking the keys inside the car while the doors are shut. Stress, panic, and attempts to quickly find a solution are natural reactions in such a moment. However, it is important to stay calm and act rationally. In this article, we will discuss the steps to take to resolve the issue with minimal time and stress.

1. Assess the Situation

First and foremost, stay calm and objectively evaluate the circumstances. Make sure that:

No one is inside the vehicle, especially children or pets. If someone or an animal is locked inside, act immediately by calling emergency services (999 or 112).

The car is in a safe location. If the car is parked on the side of the road or in a hazardous area, consider taking additional steps to ensure your safety and that of other road users.

2. Try the Spare Car Key

If you have a spare key, now is the time to use it. Spare keys are often kept at home or with relatives. If you are close to home, ask someone to bring the key. This is the simplest and safest way to resolve the problem.

3. Use the Manufacturer’s App

Modern vehicles are often equipped with remote access functions via a mobile app. If your car supports this technology, you may be able to unlock the doors using your smartphone. You will need an active internet connection and the app set up in advance. If you are unsure whether your car has this option, check the documentation or contact the manufacturer’s support team.

4. Seek Professional Assistance

If there is no spare key and the app does not help, seek professional assistance. You have several options:

1. Call an emergency car unlocking service. Specialists in car unlocking work quickly and carefully, avoiding damage to locks and doors. Ensure you contact a reliable company with good reviews.
2. Contact the car dealer. If your car is under warranty or was purchased from an authorised dealer, they may offer assistance. They might provide a duplicate key or unlock the vehicle for you.
3. Reach out to your insurance company. Some insurance policies include assistance for such situations. Check the terms of your contract.

5. Improvised Methods

If calling professionals is not an option and immediate action is required, you can try some improvised methods. Be cautious, as you risk damaging the vehicle. Here are a few examples:

Use wire or a ruler.
This method works for older vehicles with simple mechanical locks. A wire can be inserted through the gap between the door and the body to try to hook the lock lever.

Try using an inflatable wedge.
Special car unlocking kits, which include an inflatable wedge and a plastic tool, can be purchased from automotive accessory stores. The wedge is inserted into the door gap and inflated to create space for manipulation.

Break the glass (as a last resort).
If the situation is critical and requires immediate action, break a side window. It is best to break a triangular window (if available), as its replacement tends to be cheaper. Use a heavy object or a specialised emergency hammer for this purpose.

6. How to Avoid Such Situations in the Future?

To prevent a recurrence of this situation, take the following precautions:

1. Always check where the keys are before closing the doors.
2. Keep a spare key in a safe place.
3. Consider installing a keypad locking system. Such systems allow you to unlock the doors without a key using a code.
4. Keep the number of an emergency car unlocking service handy. This will save time if the situation happens again.

Locking keys in the car is an unpleasant but solvable problem. The key is not to panic, carefully assess the situation, and choose the most suitable solution. We hope our advice helps you handle such a situation and avoid it in the future.

More info: https://phoenixcarkeys.co.uk/locations/birmingham/