Locked keys in the boot of your car? Step away from the boot and don’t try to force it open. Prising the lid or breaking a window can leave you with a big repair bill. Instead, call a mobile auto locksmith. At Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest, we use 100% non-destructive entry to get your keys back. Our van carries the latest equipment, so we can sort it at the roadside. You can be on your way the same day.
Below, we explain what to do first, how we get into a locked boot and what it might cost.
Locked Keys in Boot of Car: How It Happens
It is one of the easiest mistakes to make. You put your shopping, gym bag or coat in the back with your keys on top. Then you close the lid, and that is it.
Some cars also lock themselves as a security feature. If the boot shuts and the car locks, your keys end up trapped behind a closed lid. Here are a few common ways drivers end up with keys trapped in a car boot:
- Dropping keys in while loading heavy bags
- Leaving keys in a coat pocket, then putting the coat in the boot
- Shutting the boot in a hurry on a busy morning
None of these make you careless. A locked boot with keys inside can happen to anyone.
Our guide to a car locked with keys inside explains why some cars lock themselves and how to stop it catching you out.
What Should I Do If I’ve Locked My Keys in My Car Boot?
Stay calm and work through these steps:
- Check every door first. One door may still be open, which could give you a way into the car.
- Look for a spare key. A partner or family member might be able to bring one over.
- Don’t force the boot. Screwdrivers, coat hangers and wedges can bend the lid, damage the lock or crack the trim.
- Note where you are. A postcode, road name or nearby shop helps us find you quickly.
- Call an auto locksmith. Tell us your car make, model and year when you ring.
Our advice has always been simple: don’t panic, and don’t let anybody cause unwanted damage.
Can a Locksmith Get My Keys Out of a Locked Boot Without Damaging My Car?
Yes. A trained auto locksmith has the tools and skills to open a locked car without harming it. At Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest, every lockout job uses our 100% non-destructive entry method.
Every car is different, so we look at your make and model before we start. In many cars, getting into the main cabin gives a route through to the boot. That might be an interior boot release or fold-down rear seats. We then pick the safest way to reach your keys.
We work on all major makes, including Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Kia and Nissan. You can check the full list on our car brands page.
Why Forcing the Boot Costs More in the End
When you can see your keys but can’t reach them, it’s tempting to try a quick fix. Please don’t. Boot lids have seals, wiring and locking parts that bend or snap easily.
A smashed rear window means broken glass all over your belongings. A damaged lock could stop the boot from closing properly. You might then need a garage repair before the car is safe to leave anywhere.
A non-destructive car entry service avoids all of that. You get your keys back, and your car stays exactly as it was.
No Spare Key at Home? We Can Still Help
Keys locked in the car, no spare and nobody nearby to help? This is when a mobile auto locksmith is most useful.
Our 24/7 emergency service runs seven days a week, day and night. We come straight to you, so there is no need for a recovery truck. Once we get your keys back, we can also cut a spare so you have a backup next time.
Lost your keys rather than locked them in? We can cut, code and programme a new key on the same day. Our guide on how to get a replacement car key when locked out explains how that works. You can also see everything we offer on our auto locksmith services page.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Keys Out of a Locked Car Boot in the UK?
Prices for this kind of job vary across the UK. The cost usually depends on your car, where you are and what work you need. If you also need a new key cut and programmed, that adds to the price.
At Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest, all our services are VAT-free, which helps keep costs down. Our replacement keys cost half the price of the main dealer. For an exact price, call us on 07900 885231 with your make, model and location.
Before you book any locksmith, it pays to check you can trust them. Citizens Advice has helpful tips on how to find a trader and check you can trust them. Reading customer reviews is another good way to see how a business treats people.
Boot Lockout Help Across Wigan and the North West
Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest is based in Wigan and covers a 20-mile radius. That includes Leigh, Leyland, Warrington and many towns in between.
If you need a fast auto locksmith in Wigan, we are close by. For other towns, check our full list of areas we cover.
Tips to Stop It Happening Again
A few simple habits make a big difference:
- Keep a spare key somewhere safe. We always tell customers how useful a spare is in an emergency.
- Hold your keys while you load the boot. Put them in your pocket, not on top of your bags.
- Close the boot last. Check you have your keys in hand before the lid goes down.
Locked Out Right Now? Give Us a Call
If your keys are stuck in the boot, help is one phone call away. We will come to you with the right tools and get you back in without damage.
Call Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest on 07900 885231, message us on WhatsApp or contact us online.