Locking your keys in your car is stressful, and the next few minutes matter more than most people realise.
This guide covers exactly what to do if your keys are locked in your car, when to call 999 instead of a locksmith, and how to get back in without damaging anything.
Key Master is a mobile automotive locksmith covering Kent and South East London 24/7, with more than 10 years of experience and over 1,000 vehicles serviced.
Start with one check: is a child or an animal still inside the car? If so, skip everything else and call 999.
Keys Locked in Your Car? Start With These Five Steps
If your keys are locked in your car, first check that nobody is inside, then look for a spare key, try your car's app, check your breakdown cover and call a mobile locksmith. Work through these in order, because the first four can sometimes solve the problem without a callout.
Check that no child or animal is inside the car. If there is, go straight to the 999 section below.
Look for a spare key, and ask whether a family member, housemate or colleague can bring it to you.
Try your car's manufacturer app, which on some newer models can unlock the car remotely if it was set up beforehand.
Check whether your breakdown cover or car insurance includes lockout assistance.
Call a mobile locksmith with your vehicle details and exact location ready. Our keys locked in car service covers cars, boots and supported vans.
While you wait, stay somewhere safe and visible, and keep your phone charged.
When to Call 999 Instead of a Locksmith
Call 999 immediately if a child or animal is trapped inside your car, or if anyone is in danger. Do not wait for a locksmith to arrive, because the RSPCA warns that at 22°C outside, the inside of a car can reach 47°C within an hour.
The RSPCA's guidance is to call 999 at once if a dog shows any sign of heatstroke.
Our advice matches that: if there is immediate danger, contact the emergency services first, and call us afterwards if you still need help getting in.
Can a Locksmith Open My Car Without Damage?
In many cases, yes. A mobile locksmith assesses your vehicle first and chooses a non-destructive entry method to suit its locking system, so nothing needs to be forced or drilled. Key Master aims to use these techniques wherever possible, although the right method depends on your car's make, model and lock.
Forcing the door, wedging the frame or breaking a window yourself can damage seals, locking mechanisms, and the electronics inside the door.
That damage can easily cost more to put right than the lockout itself.
What If the Engine Is Running or the Car Is Keyless?
A running engine, keys in the boot or a keyless car all change how a locksmith approaches the job, but none of them rules out help. Key Master handles cars with the engine running and keys locked in the boot and assesses keyless vehicles by make and model.
Engine running: Tell the locksmith straight away, and keep clear of traffic if the car is parked on the road.
Keys in the boot: the vehicle is assessed and the safest available method is used to get you in.
Keyless entry: the method depends on the make and model, so have both ready when you call.
Van or commercial vehicle: supported vans are covered, so give the make, model and year.
What Will a Locksmith Ask You For?
Expect questions about your vehicle's make, model and approximate year, your exact location, whether the keys are in the cabin or boot, whether the engine is running and whether the car is keyless. You will also need ID and proof that you are authorised to access the vehicle.
The ownership check is there for your protection, and a genuine locksmith should ask for it. Having these details to hand means a faster, more accurate quote.
What Does It Cost to Get Into a Locked Car?
The cost of a car lockout depends on your vehicle, your location and the time of day. Key Master charges no callout fee and gives you a quote before starting work, so you know the price before anything is done. We do not publish fixed prices, so ask for the quote when you call.
For context, Checkatrade puts typical auto locksmith jobs in Orpington at between £134 and £237, with an average of £177.
That range covers auto locksmith work in general rather than lockouts specifically, and Checkatrade notes that emergency call-outs can cost more outside normal hours.
Mistakes to Avoid When You Are Locked Out of Your Car
The most common mistake is acting in a panic before checking the basics. These are the ones that cause the most trouble.
Breaking a window when nobody is in danger, which turns a lockout into a repair bill.
Forcing the door or wedging the frame, which can damage seals and locking mechanisms.
Leaving a child or animal in the car while you wait for a locksmith instead of calling 999.
Calling the first number you find without asking about callout fees and getting a quote first.
Assuming a lockout and a lost key are the same problem, when a lost key needs a replacement made.
Skipping the spare key and app checks, which can solve the problem in minutes.
Having no spare key at all. A spare from our spare and replacement car keys service is far easier to arrange before you need it.
A few minutes of checking before you call usually saves time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a locksmith unlock my car if the keys are in the boot?
Yes. We assess the vehicle and use the safest available method to get you back in.
Can you unlock a keyless car?
Modern keyless vehicles can be assessed, and the entry method depends on the make and model. Give us your vehicle details when you call.
What if I have lost my keys rather than locked them inside?
That is a different job, because a lost key needs a replacement, cutting, and programming. Our emergency car key replacement service handles it, and our car key replacement guide explains the key types.
Do I need to prove the car is mine?
Yes. We ask for ID and suitable proof that you are authorised to access the vehicle before starting work.
How quickly can you reach me?
We are available 24/7 across Kent and South East London. Arrival time depends on your location, traffic and demand, and we give you an estimate when you call.
Your Next Step If You Are Locked Out Right Now
Check that nobody is inside, then call with your car's make, model, location, and whether the engine is running.
Call Key Master on 07713 582383 for help getting back into your car anywhere in Kent and South East London, or send an enquiry if it is not urgent. You can also see every area we cover.
