Ten Common Misconceptions About Locked Keys In Car Uk That Aren't Always True

How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK It can be stressful if you lock your keys in the car. There are many ways to retrieve your keys, however you must take extreme caution if you have children or other people who are vulnerable inside. The RAC suggests that you attempt to locate your keys prior to calling the police. These DIY methods could damage the interior of your vehicle and should only be used as a last option. Do It Yourself Locking your keys in your car or in the boot is a common mistake to make. It's even more annoying when you're miles from your home and can't gain access to your vehicle. There are fortunately a few options for dealing with this problem. The most important thing to do is stay at peace and analyze the situation. The next step is to figure out a way to get to get out of the vehicle without causing any damage to it. There are a variety of strategies for doing this, from using coat hangers to trying out different apps and methods. The most important thing to remember is not to panic, as this will only increase the severity of the problem. You can make use of a spare car keys to open the vehicle. If your car is equipped with manual locks it is a great solution. If you have an automatic vehicle, you may have to look for a different method. You can also use a long reach tool, which is a type rod with hook or loop at the end. It can be used to reach the lock on the door or boot and open it. Another option is to try to find 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 an opaque plastic cover. You can also find your VIN in your insurance paperwork or on your insurance proof card. If you cannot find it, a locksmith might be needed. It is always recommended to leave an extra key with someone you are confident in. This will enable you to return to your vehicle if you forget your keys, and it will reduce the cost of calling a professional. It is also a good idea to consider leaving the spare in a safe location like your home. Keep a slim Jim or other lockout tool for your vehicle. These tools can be helpful in gaining access to your vehicle in the situation of an emergency and are affordable to purchase. Contact Your Breakdown Provider Roadside assistance is offered in many cars as standard. If you are an active member of AA or RAC that is the first place you call. It will usually cover the cost of calling a locksmith and getting you back into your vehicle. Contact your service directly if you aren't sure of what is covered under your breakdown policy or whether there is an additional cost. It's also worth checking whether you have “key assist” in your policy. This is often an optional extra however some providers such as Start Rescue include it as an essential part of their policies. They'll pay for the call out of a locksmith and cover the cost of transporting your keys from the recovery operator to your garage or home (if they're close) in the event that you have keys locked in your car. It is important not to take drastic measures when you're locked out of your vehicle. This could damage the vehicle and could cause insurance to be cancelled, so it's never a good idea. Also, avoid breaking windows since this could make it difficult to get inside. There's no need to call emergency services unless your car is in a dangerous position or you have children or pets locked inside. If you're at risk of heatstroke or any other health issue you should also contact the police. If you're concerned about locking your keys in your car in the future it's a good idea to leave an extra key with someone in your family or a friend. You can also unlock your car using an app for smartphones. This service is offered by a variety of manufacturers, including BMW Mercedes and Vauxhall. If you own a car with a smart feature, it's also worth looking at its companion app that allows you to control the key features of your car remotely through an app on your phone. Many garages can make duplicate keys for you. If you have a trusted technician near you, this is a possibility. Contact a locksmith Locking your keys inside your car is a common occurrence, especially for those who commute to school or work. If you're fortunate enough to have a spare key or an app for your smart phone that will unlock your doors and open the car, then this is a simple problem to solve. If G28 don't own these tools, it's time to talk to experts. Take a deep breath and don't be afraid to put your keys in your car. If you panic, then it will be even harder to think clearly and find a solution. You can also search on the internet for locksmiths in your area who specialize in vehicle access. This will ensure a specialist arrives at your location quickly and make the experience less stressful. You should call your breakdown provider first, if you are an active member. They will often be able to gain entry to your car without damaging it, but in the event that they are unable to do this, they'll recommend a locksmith who is experienced in working on vehicles. The service could be offered free of charge or for the cost of a fixed amount, based on the insurance policy you have. You can also contact locksmiths, but you should proceed with caution. Using an internet search can help you find an experienced and reliable locksmith who is DBS checked and vetted. It is also recommended that your chosen locksmith is independently accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association, which is possible online. Many people also go to garages in their area when they are locked out of their car, but this can be more expensive than calling in an expert. However, they can still be cheaper than trying to gain entry into the vehicle yourself and can often get the job done much faster. 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 children, elderly persons or pets in the vehicle it is recommended to contact the police. However, it is recommended that you call your breakdown provider or a specialist Auto Locksmith first before doing this, as they will be able to provide assistance and advice in these instances. 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. This is a risky and difficult situation to be in if you are in the middle of nowhere and miles from anyone. It's tempting to try and find your keys on your own however it's not a smart idea. You may damage your car and pay more if you try to force locks or break windows. The first thing to do is assess the situation is whether you are in a safe place and how do you to get back into your vehicle? Make sure you double-check that your keys really are locked inside – it's shocking how often people leave keys in their cars when they visit a store or the post office. If you're able verify that your keys are in the car then it's time to call for help. The police will not be capable of unlocking your vehicle, but they can assist you in finding the solution. They can provide advice and recommend professionals, like a garage or locksmith. They will also be able tell you if your vehicle has an option for remote locking and if it's able to be activated using your smartphone. You can also leave an extra key with someone who has the ability to access your vehicle and use the app on their smartphone to unlock the doors and boot. It's not a good idea to lock the keys to your car inside the car, but it's a good idea to be prepared should this occurs. If you remain calm and evaluate your options, you'll be able to quickly resolve the problem. To avoid future lockouts ensure you have an extra key, keep the emergency number of your breakdown provider on hand and think about purchasing a hidden key device which can be connected to your car. Install an alarm system inside your vehicle and reprogram the keys to disable access to previous owners. This will prevent thieves from using your car to steal their own keys.