Realising you’ve locked your car keys inside your vehicle is one of those frustrating situations that can happen to anyone. You might have closed the door with the keys sitting on the driver’s seat, left them in the boot after loading your shopping, or accidentally locked the vehicle while the engine is still running.
Whatever has happened, don’t panic and don’t start forcing the door open.
There are several safe options available, and a professional auto locksmith can often get you back into your vehicle without damaging the locks, windows or bodywork.
This guide explains what to do if you’ve locked your keys in your car, whether you should contact your breakdown provider or an auto locksmith, and what to do if you’ve lost your keys altogether.
First: Don’t Try to Break Into Your Car
When you’re locked out, it can be tempting to search for DIY methods to open the vehicle.
You may see suggestions involving coat hangers, wedges, strings or other tools. These methods can cause considerably more damage than you might expect.
Modern vehicles have increasingly sophisticated locking systems, electronic components and sensitive door mechanisms. Trying to force your way inside could result in:
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Damaged door seals
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Scratched paintwork
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Damaged window mechanisms
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Bent door frames
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Broken locking components
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Damage to wiring or electronics
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A smashed window that still doesn’t solve the problem
Even if you manage to get the door open, repairing the damage could cost considerably more than getting professional assistance in the first place.
If your keys are locked inside your car, avoid forcing the door or window.
Step 1: Check Every Door
Before calling anyone, check the vehicle carefully.
It’s surprisingly easy to assume that the whole car is locked when one door or the boot hasn’t actually locked.
Try:
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The driver’s door
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The front passenger door
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Both rear doors
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The boot or tailgate
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Any other legitimate access point fitted to your vehicle
Don’t use excessive force. If the doors are all locked and your keys are clearly inside, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Check Whether You Have a Spare Key
If you have a spare car key, this could be the simplest solution.
Think about whether your spare key is:
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At home
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With your partner
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With a family member
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With a trusted friend
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At your workplace
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Somewhere else you normally keep important keys
If someone can bring your spare key relatively quickly and you’re in a safe location, this may be easier than arranging a locksmith.
However, don’t leave yourself waiting in an unsafe location for an extended period. If you’re on a busy road, in an isolated car park or somewhere you don’t feel safe, get professional assistance.
Step 3: Check Whether Your Car Has Remote Unlocking
Some modern vehicles have manufacturer apps or connected-car services that can provide remote access.
Depending on the vehicle, you may be able to use an official smartphone application to unlock the doors.
If you’ve already set up the manufacturer’s app and have access to it, this can be worth checking before calling a locksmith.
However, not every vehicle supports remote unlocking, and the service may require your phone to have internet access and the vehicle to have an active connected service.
Step 4: Decide Between Breakdown Cover and an Auto Locksmith
If your keys are locked inside the vehicle, you may have several options.
Your breakdown provider
If you have breakdown cover with a provider such as the AA, RAC or another roadside assistance company, check whether vehicle lockouts are included in your policy.
A breakdown technician may be able to help with straightforward vehicle entry.
However, the exact service depends on your policy, vehicle and circumstances. More complicated locking systems may require specialist equipment.
A mobile auto locksmith
A mobile auto locksmith specialises specifically in vehicle locks and car keys.
Depending on the vehicle, an auto locksmith may be able to:
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Gain entry to the vehicle
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Retrieve keys locked inside
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Replace lost car keys
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Cut replacement keys
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Program transponder keys
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Program remote key fobs
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Deal with vehicle lockouts
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Provide assistance at your location
One major advantage is that a mobile locksmith comes to the vehicle rather than necessarily requiring it to be transported to a garage.
Waiting for a spare key
If you’re somewhere safe and your spare key is already on its way, waiting may be the easiest option.
The important thing is to consider your location, the weather and how quickly your spare can arrive.
Will the AA or RAC Open a Locked Car?
This depends on your breakdown policy and the circumstances.
Roadside assistance providers can often deal with vehicle lockouts, but assistance isn’t necessarily identical for every vehicle.
Modern vehicles can have sophisticated security systems, keyless entry, deadlocking and electronic immobilisers. If roadside assistance cannot gain access, you may be offered recovery or another solution depending on your cover.
If you don’t have breakdown cover, you should check the cost before arranging roadside assistance.
For someone who has lost their keys rather than simply locked them inside the car, the situation can also be different. A replacement key may not be included in standard breakdown cover.
That’s where an auto locksmith can be particularly useful, because the same visit may be able to deal with both vehicle entry and replacement car key requirements.
What If Your Keys Are Locked in the Boot?
Keys locked in the boot can be particularly frustrating.
Some vehicles have systems designed to prevent the boot from locking when the key is detected inside. However, this varies between manufacturers and models.
If the vehicle has completely locked and the keys are inside the boot, don’t try to force the boot open.
A professional auto locksmith can assess the vehicle and use an appropriate entry method.
What If You Have Lost Your Car Keys?
If the keys aren’t inside the vehicle and you simply cannot find them, you’ll need a different solution.
A professional auto locksmith may be able to provide a replacement car key at your location.
Depending on your vehicle, this could involve:
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Cutting a new key
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Programming a transponder
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Programming a remote key
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Programming a key fob
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Supplying a replacement smart key
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Creating a new key when all original keys have been lost
When contacting a locksmith, provide the vehicle’s make, model and year if possible.
If you have no working key at all, tell them this when you call. An all-keys-lost situation can require different equipment and programming procedures.
What If Your Car Key Is Not Working?
Sometimes the problem isn’t actually that the vehicle is locked.
You may have the key in your hand but still be unable to unlock the vehicle.
Possible reasons include:
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A flat key-fob battery
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A damaged remote
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A damaged key
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A problem with the vehicle’s central locking
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A faulty vehicle battery
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An electronic fault
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A key that is no longer recognised by the vehicle
If you have a spare key available, try it.
If the spare works, the original key may be the problem. If neither key works, further investigation may be required.
What If the Engine Is Running?
If you’ve accidentally locked yourself outside while the engine is running, don’t simply walk away from the vehicle.
Contact a professional for assistance and explain that the engine is running when you make the call.
Never leave a running vehicle unattended in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area because of the risk from exhaust gases.
If there is an immediate danger to a person or animal, treat it as an emergency rather than simply a routine vehicle lockout.
Child or Pet Locked Inside? Get Emergency Help
If a child, vulnerable person or pet is locked inside a vehicle and there is a risk of harm, particularly in hot weather, call 999 immediately.
Don’t spend valuable time comparing locksmith prices or waiting for a routine appointment.
Emergency services can take the appropriate action when somebody is in immediate danger.
How Does an Auto Locksmith Open a Locked Car?
A professional auto locksmith uses specialist vehicle-entry equipment and techniques appropriate to the particular vehicle.
The exact method varies according to the vehicle’s make, model, age and locking system.
A reputable locksmith should aim to use a suitable non-destructive entry method wherever possible.
This is why using random tools or following online car-entry tricks isn’t recommended. What works on one old vehicle could cause expensive damage to another.
What Will the Locksmith Need From You?
A professional locksmith should take reasonable steps to establish that you are authorised to access the vehicle.
You may be asked for information such as:
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Your name
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The vehicle registration
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The vehicle make and model
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Proof of identity
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Proof of ownership or permission to use the vehicle
If your driving licence, documents or other belongings are locked inside the vehicle, explain this to the locksmith.
The exact identification requirements can vary depending on the circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Unlock a Car?
There isn’t one fixed price for every vehicle lockout.
The cost can depend on:
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Your vehicle’s make and model
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The type of locking system
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Your location
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The time of day
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Whether you need emergency assistance
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Whether a replacement key is required
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Whether all keys have been lost
Getting back into a vehicle when the keys are locked inside is usually a different job from supplying and programming a completely new key.
Before work begins, ask the locksmith to explain the price and what is included.
Why Use a Mobile Auto Locksmith?
A mobile auto locksmith can come directly to where your vehicle is located.
That can be particularly useful if you’re stranded at:
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Home
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Work
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A supermarket
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A railway station
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An airport
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A car park
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The roadside
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A customer’s property
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Another location away from a garage
Rather than automatically arranging vehicle recovery, you may be able to have the problem resolved at the vehicle’s location.
Auto Key Rescue – Mobile Auto Locksmith in Central Scotland
If you’ve locked your keys inside your vehicle, lost your car keys or need a replacement key, Auto Key Rescue provides mobile auto locksmith services across Central Scotland.
Our services include:
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Car key replacement
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Lost car keys
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Spare car keys
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Car key programming
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Key fob programming
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Vehicle lockout assistance
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Auto locksmith services
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Emergency vehicle entry
We cover areas including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Livingston, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Falkirk and surrounding areas.
If you’re currently locked out, contact us with your vehicle registration, make and model, location and a description of what has happened. We’ll be able to explain the available options.
How to Avoid Locking Your Keys in the Car Again
Once you’ve been locked out, you’ll probably want to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
A few simple habits can help.
Have a spare car key
If you currently only have one working key, consider getting a spare while you still have access to the original.
Replacing a spare key in advance can be considerably easier than dealing with a lost-all-keys situation.
Keep your spare somewhere sensible
Don’t keep both keys together.
Keep the spare somewhere secure at home or with someone you trust.
Check your keys before closing the door
Make it a habit to check that you have your keys before shutting the driver’s door or boot.
This takes only a second and can prevent a frustrating lockout.
Consider your keyless-entry system
If your vehicle uses keyless entry, understand how the system works and where your key should be kept.
If you’re concerned about vehicle security, speak to a qualified automotive security specialist about appropriate security measures for your particular vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I lock my keys in my car?
First check every door and the boot, then see whether you have access to a spare key or an official manufacturer remote-unlock service. Avoid forcing the door or window. If you cannot regain access, contact your breakdown provider or a professional auto locksmith.
Can a locksmith unlock a car without damaging it?
A professional auto locksmith can often use specialist non-destructive vehicle-entry techniques. The method depends on the make, model and locking system, so no reputable locksmith should guarantee the same result for every vehicle.
Can an auto locksmith make a replacement car key?
Yes, depending on the vehicle. Many auto locksmiths can cut and program replacement keys, remotes and transponder keys for a wide range of vehicles.
What if I’ve lost every car key?
An auto locksmith may be able to create and program a replacement even when you have no working key. Tell the locksmith that all keys have been lost when you request assistance.
Is it better to call the AA, RAC or an auto locksmith?
It depends on your circumstances and breakdown cover. If you’re already covered, roadside assistance may be able to deal with a straightforward lockout. A specialist auto locksmith may be more appropriate if you have lost your keys, require a replacement key or have a vehicle with a more complicated locking system.
Can I unlock my car with a coat hanger?
Using a coat hanger or another improvised tool isn’t recommended. It can damage the vehicle’s seals, paintwork, locking system or electronics. Professional locksmith equipment is designed specifically for vehicle entry.
What information should I give an auto locksmith?
Give the locksmith your location, vehicle make, model and year if known, registration number and explain whether the keys are locked inside, lost or damaged. This helps them bring the appropriate equipment.
Locked Out of Your Car in Central Scotland?
Being locked out of your car is stressful, but the safest solution is usually to avoid making the situation worse.
Check for another unlocked door, see whether a spare key is available and check whether your vehicle has an official remote-unlock option. If those options aren’t available, contact a professional auto locksmith or your breakdown provider.
For mobile auto locksmith services, car key replacement, key programming and vehicle lockout assistance across Central Scotland, contact Auto Key Rescue.
We cover Edinburgh, Glasgow, Livingston, Bathgate, Linlithgow, Falkirk and surrounding areas.
When you contact us, have your vehicle registration and location ready so we can understand what you need and advise you on the next step.