Locked keys in the car? First, stay calm and check that nobody is trapped inside. If a child or pet is in the car, call 999 straight away. Next, walk around the car and try every door and the boot. Then think about who has a spare key. If none of that works, call a local auto locksmith. At Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest, we offer a 24/7 emergency call-out across Wigan and the North West.
This guide covers the steps to take, the mistakes to avoid and who to ring for help. It also answers two questions drivers often ask when they get stuck.
Locked Keys in Car: What Should You Do First?
What should you do if you’ve locked your keys in your car? Follow these five steps in order.
- Check for people and pets. A child or animal inside comes before anything else. Call 999 if they are in danger.
- Try every door and the boot. It sounds simple, but one door may still be open.
- Look for a spare key. A partner, parent or housemate might have one and could bring it over.
- Keep an eye on your car. A thief could spot keys on a seat, so stay close if you can.
- Call an auto locksmith. Have your location ready. A street name, postcode or nearby shop helps us find you fast.
Working through these steps in order keeps you safe and saves time.
Want to know why it happened? Our guide explains the common reasons for a car locked with keys inside, from auto-lock features to fob faults.
When to Call 999 Instead
If a child or pet is locked in the car, treat it as an emergency. Cars heat up fast, even on days that do not feel hot. The RSPCA warns that when it is 22°C outside, a car can reach 47°C within an hour. Young children and pets cannot cope with heat like that.
Dial 999 first and tell the operator what is happening. The police can then decide the safest way to get them out. You can read more in the RSPCA’s advice on dogs in hot cars. Once everyone is safe, you can call us to sort out the car itself.
Why You Should Not Force Your Way In
It is tempting to grab a coat hanger or smash a window. Please don’t. Forcing a door can scratch the paint, tear the rubber seals or damage the lock. A smashed window means glass on your seats and a second bill to pay.
You could also end up with a car that will not lock at all. That leaves it open to theft until you get it fixed. Our advice is simple: don’t panic, and don’t let anybody cause unwanted damage. Call a trained auto locksmith who has the right tools for the job.
How Do Keys End Up Locked Inside a Car?
A car lockout can happen to anyone. Some cars lock themselves as a security feature. You step out to open a gate or load the boot, and the doors lock with the key still inside.
Other everyday causes include:
- Putting keys down on a seat while you pack the shopping
- Dropping keys in the boot while you unload
- Rushing out of the car on a busy morning
None of these mean you were careless. A lockout is a common mistake, and it is easy to fix.
I Locked My Keys in My Car, Who Do I Call?
Your best option is a mobile auto locksmith. Auto locksmiths specialise in vehicle locks and keys, and they carry the tools to open cars and vans at the roadside.
Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest runs a 24/7 emergency service, seven days a week. Our mobile van carries the latest equipment and a large stock of auto locks and keys. That means no recovery truck and no trip to a garage. We come to you instead.
We offer car lockout assistance to both domestic and commercial customers. Our services are also VAT-free, which helps keep costs down. You can ring us on 07900 885231 or contact us online.
Will a Locksmith Be Able to Open My Car If the Keys Are Still Inside?
Yes. A trained auto locksmith can get into a locked car without the key. At Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest, we use a 100% non-destructive method to get your keys back.
Our non-destructive car entry service means no broken glass, no forced locks and no damage to your car. We work on all major makes, including Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Kia and Nissan. You can see the full list on our car brands page.
Once you have your keys back, you can be on the road again the same day. If you only have one key, ask us about a spare so it does not happen again.
Car Lockout Help in Wigan, Leigh, Leyland and Warrington
Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest is based in Wigan. We cover a 20-mile radius, so help is never far away.
Our auto locksmith service in Wigan is closest to home. We also travel to drivers who need an auto locksmith in Leigh or an auto locksmith in Leyland. Further south, we also come out to drivers looking for a Warrington auto locksmith.
We reach many other towns across the North West too. Check our full list of areas we cover to see if we can get to you.
What If Your Keys Are Lost, Not Locked In?
Sometimes the keys are not in the car at all. Maybe they fell out of a pocket or went missing on a night out. In that case, you need lost car key assistance instead.
We can cut, code and programme a new key at the roadside on the same day. Because we stock keys for all major brands, you skip the long wait for a dealer. Our keys cost half the price of the main dealer.
If you think someone stole your keys, we can deactivate the old key and fit a new one. You can find out more on our auto locksmith services page.
How to Avoid Getting Locked Out Again
A few small habits can save you a lot of hassle:
- Keep a spare key. We always tell customers how useful a spare is in an emergency.
- Hold your keys before you shut the door. Make it a habit every time you get out.
- Check your fob battery. If your fob stops working, a new battery is the first thing to try.
These tips take seconds but can save you from a long wait at the side of the road.
Stuck Right Now? Call Locked Out Auto Locksmith Northwest
If you have locked keys in your car, help is one call away. We answer day and night, seven days a week. We will come to you with everything needed to get you back in without damage.
Call us on 07900 885231 or message us on WhatsApp. You can also read what drivers say about us on our reviews page.