Locked keys in car

We’ve all been there before, whether you’ve left your house keys inside and closed the door, or whether you’ve locked your keys in the car, it’s a heart-sinking moment and can be a real dampener on your day, but there are some options you can try.

On this page, we’ll run you through what to do if this unlucky circumstance happens to you, including what to do if you’ve locked your keys in the boot, and whether or not you should attempt to retrieve them on your own.

Use your manufacturer's app

If you don’t have a spare key, and you do have a modern make of car, it might be possible to unlock it via an app on your smartphone. Certain newer makes of car have a manufacturer’s app that can communicate with the vehicle’s security system to unlock the doors and even start the engine. If you have a car that has an app, you’ll need to take the following steps:

1. Download the app from the app store on your mobile device

2. Open the app and connect it to your car via Bluetooth (most apps will have on-screen instructions to guide you through this stage) – make sure your car’s Bluetooth is switched on too

3. Unlock the car with the app – again, there should be instructions on how to do this. You may need to tap a button on the app or perform a certain gesture, like shaking your phone

Call your breakdown provider

While you may feel a little embarrassed about locking your keys in your car, it’s not worth taking emergency action on your own, as you could end up damaging your car and having to pay costly bills. AA patrols deal with many calls for keys locked in cars every day and will be happy to come and assist you. You can report your locked keys to us if you’re a member and we’ll get you back into your car by:

• Finding out where you are and sending an AA patrol to you
• Use our specialist lock picks to gain entry into your vehicle to retrieve your keys
• Or use our specialist effect entry tools (you will need to sign a disclaimer for both of these)
• Check the lock system for faults to ensure it won’t happen again

Even if you’re not a member, you can still call us for help with keys locked inside your car. Call 03330 046 046 and we’ll come and rescue you today.

We provide 24/7 roadside assistance.

Buy breakdown cover

Contact Key Assist

Our key assist service can be cheaper than using a car dealership if you’ve lost or misplaced your keys. Our technicians are all fully trained and DBS background-checked, so you can rest assured you’re in safe and reliable hands. Once the technician arrives, they can make you a new key even without having the original – this process usually takes around 40 minutes, and you’ll be able to get on your way, all without the hassle of having to travel to a car dealership.

When our Key Assist specialist arrives, they’ll get you back into your car by:

• Using their specialist equipment to read the key design from the car’s lock, allowing them to create a copy
• They’ll pick a blank key or fob to suit your vehicle from the range carried in our vans
• They’ll open the car using the new cut key, allowing you to retrieve your original set

Use our key assist service today.

Contacting a professional locksmith

You might be tempted to contact a locksmith, rather than a breakdown cover provider or our key assist team, and you’re completely within your rights to do that.

However, it’s worth considering that one-off locksmith call-outs can be quite costly, with the price varying depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the time of day, the location of your key (e.g. boot, driver seat) and what kind of vehicle you have, so make sure to get a quote before committing.

Contacting the police or Fire Service

The police or fire service might not be able to retrieve your car keys from within a locked vehicle without causing some kind of damage. However, in an emergency situation (e.g. there’s a baby or pet locked in the car and it’s a hot day) they may be your best bet for a quick solution.

Leaving keys in the boot

If you’ve locked your car keys in the boot, then we’d recommend calling your breakdown cover provider (or our key assist team) for help. Much like tampering with the locks on the car doors, trying to open your own boot with homemade tools can lead to damage that you’ll have to pay for in the long run. It’s safer, easier and possibly quicker to get a professional to help you out.

How to avoid getting locked out of your car

It usually only takes locking yourself out of your own car once to make sure it doesn’t happen again, but there are some things you can do to make it a much less likely situation:

• Have a routine where you check for your keys before locking your car, this could even involve a sticky note near the door handle. You can also try to carry the keys somewhere visible, like in a front shirt pocket
• Get a spare key and keep it somewhere safe/give it to a family member who can come and help should you get locked out
• Using a keyless entry system as a backup – some new cars have this feature as part of the manufacturer’s app, which means you’ll be able to unlock your car with a smartphone
• Use an eye-catching key chain and attach it to your car keys. You’ll be less likely to forget them on your way out