Nobody wants the hassle and stress of being locked out of their car, but it can happen in a flash. Whether you've lost your keys or left them in the vehicle, don't despair - there are way you can get back in
EASY AS HACK
Here’s who to call immediately when you’re locked out of your car:
- A friend or relative with a spare set
- Your breakdown service/roadside assistance
- A locksmith – some are open 24 hours
- The local garage
At a glance
Losing your car keys or leaving them inside your car can happen to anyone and can be pretty stressful. But there are various ways to get back into your vehicle if it ever happens to you.
how to get keys out of a locked car
Modern cars have built-in safeguards, such as smart key fobs, keyless entry systems, app-based keys and walk-away locks, which prevent you from accidentally locking yourself out.
However, it’s still possible to do it with remote keyless central locking systems, traditional manual keys, and transponder keys. Here’s what to do when locked out of a car.
- Check if the boot is unlocked – the boot is worth checking first if you’re locked out of a car, because some vehicles allow access to the cabin even though the other doors are locked. It may be a tight squeeze. You may have hidden a spare key under the chassis, behind a bumper or in the wheel well.
- Find a spare key – asking a friend, relative or neighbour to fetch your spare car keys is the easiest way to get back in your car. If it works, you’ll be back on the road in no time. Just remember to thank whoever came to your rescue!
- Use a car companion app – with this latest smartphone tech synced via Bluetooth with your car’s security system, you can access a digital key if you have left a physical key fob inside or lost it. Compatibility depends on the vehicles age, make and model.
- Call your breakdown recovery service – call your breakdown provider as they may be able to help in retrieving your keys.
- Call your local garage – local garages may also be able to help. They often have the technical knowledge to know how to get into your car.
- Call a locksmith – if you’re locked out of your car and your keys are inside; you could call an auto locksmith to open it without damaging it. Unlocking the car costs from £85[1], while the key replacement cost can vary, but you can expect to pay around £25-£200[2] depending on the model or even in excess of £1,000 for a modern electronic key[3].
You can find a locksmith on the Master Locksmiths Association website or on the Auto Locksmiths Association website.[4]
what should you do if you have lost your keys?
If you have lost your keys, and have no access to a spare set, these are the steps you can take:
Claim on your car insurance – your car insurance policy may cover you for the loss or theft of your car keys. Some insurers include car key cover as standard, while others offer it as an add-on. Find out more about Ageas car insurance.
Remember, each policy’s cover varies by insurer. Therefore, your no claims discount might remain intact if you claim only for a key replacement, but you should check your policy documents to understand your insurance cover terms.
Claims made under your policy could affect your future insurance costs.
Claim on a key cover insurance policy – you may have a specific key insurance policy to protect you if you lose your keys, they’re stolen or accidentally damaged. If so, you could claim on it. If you’re stranded due to lost or stolen vehicle keys, your insurer may cover the costs of car hire, public transport or taxi fares[3].
Get a replacement set of keys from your car’s manufacturer – you could get a new set of keys from your local brand dealership. However, it’s a more expensive option, as the dealer will need to reprogram the keys.
what information do you need to get a replacement key?
To prevent theft, you must prove you own the vehicle by providing the following information:
- Photo ID, such as a passport or driver’s licence, to verify your personal information
- Your car’s make, model and age
- Its vehicle identification number (VIN)
- The V5C logbook showing proof of ownership
The dealer or locksmith will also need your vehicle make, model, age and VIN to cut you a correct key.
how to avoid getting locked out of your car
Avoid getting locked out of your car with these three key tips:
- Get a spare key cut as a backup – then you can always ask a friend or relative to fetch the duplicate if you’re locked out
- Use a keyless entry system or an app – available in newer cars – to unlock the doors remotely
- Make a habit of checking that you have your car keys with you before you close your car door or boot
It is also worth considering insurance – see what’s covered under our comprehensive car insurance.
Get a quote for Ageas car insurance.
FAQs
cAN YOU LOCK YOURSELF OUT OF A KEYLESS CAR?
Keyless car entry systems use proximity detection, ensuring you can’t lock yourself out if you leave the key inside the car.
How to get keys out of a locked car boot
To get keys out of a locked car boot, here are a few options to consider:
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Check for a manual boot release inside the vehicle if the doors are still open.
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You might be able to remove the parcel shelf and climb into the boot.
- Otherwise, hunt for a spare key before calling a recovery service
does car insurance cover locking your keys in your car?
Car insurance policies often include cover for lost or stolen keys, but this doesn’t usually extend to keys that are locked inside your car. That’s because locking your keys in the vehicle isn’t typically classed as loss or theft.
Some insurers may offer optional extras that help with locksmith costs or key recovery, but these are separate add-ons with their own terms and conditions. It’s always worth checking your policy documents or speaking to your insurer to understand exactly what’s included.
should you call the emergency service if you lock your keys inside your car?
You should not call the emergency services if you lock your keys in your car, unless you, your passengers or a pet are in immediate danger.
Instead, call for breakdown recovery assistance, a local locksmith or a garage first, before considering calling the emergency services.
how do professionals unlock cars?
A professional can unlock a car using different methods, including:
- A slim Jim – a long, flat metal strip used to unlock older car doors by sliding it between the window and rubber seal.
- Lock picks – used to pick the lock by adjusting its internal pins.
- Bypass tools – to unlatch the locking mechanism.
- Wedge and rod – inserting a wedge and a long rod to push on the door’s unlock button.
- Decoders – a key decoder (known as a Lishi tool) that unlocks the door, reads the lock’s pins, then determines the code needed to make a new key.
Always hire a professional to unlock a car to prevent damage to your vehicle.
Sources
[1] Locksmiths - Locked Keys in Car & Locked Out?
[2] Locksmiths - Lost My Car Keys & Have No Spare
