7 Secrets About Locked Keys In Car Uk That Nobody Will Share With You
How to Deal With Locked Keys in Car UK
It could be a stressful time if you lock your keys in the car. There are a variety of ways to get back your keys, however you must always exercise extreme caution if you have children or other people who are vulnerable inside.
The RAC suggests trying to retrieve your keys by yourself prior to calling the police. DIY methods can damage the interior of your vehicle and should be only used as an option last resort.
Do It Yourself
It's simple to lock your keys in the boot or car. It's more frustrating if you are miles away from your home and can't get into your car. There are several options to deal with this problem. It is important to remain calm and assess the situation. Next, you need to figure out a secure way to get out of the vehicle without damaging it. There are a variety of strategies for doing this, from using coat hangers to testing different methods and apps. The most important thing is not to be in a panic, as this will only increase the severity of the problem.
You can use a spare car key to open the vehicle. This is usually a great alternative for cars that have manual locks, but you may have to try other tactics in the case of a vehicle that is automatic. You can also employ an extended reach tool, which is a type rod that has a loop or hook at the end. This tool can be used to unlock the door lock or boot.
You can also identify the vehicle's identification number by looking at the dash panel in the dashboard. This number should be displayed, but sometimes it's hidden behind an opaque plastic cover. You could also try to locate your VIN on your insurance form or proof of insurance card. If you are unable to locate it, you might have to contact a locksmith.
It is always a good idea to leave a spare key with someone you are confident in. This will allow you to return to your vehicle when you misplace your keys. It will reduce the cost of calling a professional. It is also a good idea to consider leaving the spare in a safe location such as your home.
It's an excellent idea to keep a slim jim, or any other lockout tool for your vehicle in your vehicle. These tools can be helpful to gain access to your car in the situation of an emergency and they are inexpensive 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 should be your first point of call. It will usually cover the cost of contacting a locksmith and getting you back into your vehicle. Contact your service directly if you are not sure what is covered by your breakdown policy, or if there will be an additional cost.
It's also worth checking if you have "key assist" in your policy. It's typically an optional add-on but some providers like Start Rescue include it as an integral part of their policies. They'll cover the call-out of a locksmith, and will cover any expenses associated with transferring your keys from the recovery service to your home or garage (if they're closer) when you've got them locked in your car.
It's crucial to avoid taking extreme measures when you're locked out of your vehicle. This could damage the vehicle and may invalidate your insurance therefore it's not a good idea. Avoid breaking windows as this makes it harder to enter the vehicle.
If your vehicle isn't in a dangerous position, or you have children, pets or elderly persons, or vulnerable people locked inside there's no need to call the emergency services. If there's a risk of heatstroke or any other health issue, you should also call the police.
If you're worried that your keys might be locked in your car, it is an ideal idea to leave a spare with someone in your family or with a friend. You can also unlock your car using a smartphone application. This service is offered by several manufacturers, including BMW Mercedes and Vauxhall. You should also think about the "companion app" in the event that you own a smart vehicle. This allows you to remotely control the key features of your car via an app. Alternatively, many garages can make a duplicate key for you, so if have a trusted mechanic close by then this could be an option.
Call a locksmith
It is not uncommon for people to lock their keys in their car, especially those who commute. If you have an extra car key or an app for your smartphone that unlocks the doors, this is an easy issue to resolve. However, if car door opening service don't have these options available and you are in need of help, then it's time to call in the experts!
Take a deep breath, and don't be afraid to lock your keys inside your vehicle. If you panic, then it will be more difficult to think clearly and find an answer. You can also search on the internet for locksmiths in your area that specialize in vehicle access. This will ensure that a skilled locksmith arrives at your place quickly, which will make the process less stressful.
If you are an employee of a breakdown service like the RAC or the AA, then this should be your first port of call. If they are not able to open your vehicle without damaging it they will suggest an experienced locksmith with experience with vehicles. Based on your policy, it could be a free service or they might charge the option of paying a fixed cost for this kind of service.
Another option is to contact a locksmith directly, but it's crucial to be cautious when doing this. You can find an accredited and DBS-checked locksmith by searching on the internet. You can also find out online if your chosen locksmith is independently accredited by the Master Locksmiths Association.
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 professionals. They are less expensive than attempting your own luck to get into the vehicle and they can do the job much faster.
If you are in a public place and believe that there is a danger to other road users, or that there could be pets, elderly people or children inside your car and you are concerned about safety, it is recommended to contact the police. It is recommended to call your breakdown company or an Auto Locksmith specialist first. They can offer you advice and assistance.
Contact the police
If you're on the move it's easy to forget your keys in your car. This is especially true if not at home. If you're in a remote area miles from anyone, this is an even more challenging and risky situation to find yourself in. It's tempting to try and get your keys back by yourself, but it is not a smart idea. Trying to force locks or break windows can damage your vehicle and cost you more money in the end.
First, you must assess the situation. Are you in a safe area or are you able to return to your car? Next, double-check that your keys are locked inside the vehicle - it's amazing how often people leave them in their vehicles when they go to an establishment or post office. If you're able to confirm that your keys are still in the car and you're not sure, contact assistance.
If the police cannot unlock your car, they can help you find the solution. They can give you advice and recommend professionals, like locksmiths or garages. They can also inform you if the vehicle has the option of locking via remote and if it is activated by your phone. Alternately, you can leave the spare key with someone who can access your vehicle and use the app on their phone to open the doors and boot.
Although it's not a good idea to lock your keys inside your car, it's best to be prepared for this scenario. You can quickly solve the problem by staying in a calm state and evaluating all of possible options. Keep an extra car key in your vehicle and the emergency number of your breakdown service provider in case of need, and consider installing a key lock hidden on your vehicle to avoid future lockouts. Install an alarm system inside your car and reprogram the keys to disable access from previous owners. This will prevent thieves from using the vehicle to steal keys.