You are standing next to your car, patting your pockets, and the keys are sitting visibly on the driver seat. If you have locked your keys in the car, your breakdown provider is usually the best first call to make. Getting back in will cost you nothing extra if your breakdown policy covers it, but you may need to pay an auto locksmith or a local garage if the roadside patrol cannot gain entry.
Stay safe before you do anything else
Safety comes first when you are locked out of your vehicle, especially if you are on a busy road or the weather is poor. Take a moment to check your surroundings and see if anyone is at immediate risk. Unless you, your passengers or your pets are in immediate danger, you should not call the emergency services for a standard lockout.
Call 999 only if someone is in immediate danger. Examples include:
- A person is trapped inside a hot car.
- A pet is in danger inside the vehicle.
- Your car is stopped in an active lane of traffic where it could cause a collision.
If nobody is at risk and the car is parked safely, keep your phone battery for contacting a breakdown service or an auto locksmith. Stand somewhere safe away from moving traffic, ideally behind a barrier if you are on a major road, while you make your calls. Do not try to force the door or break a window, as this risks injury and is rarely necessary for a simple lockout.
Call your breakdown provider first
If you pay for breakdown cover, this is the first place you should look for help when you are stranded. Most breakdown providers will send a patrol to help you access your car if you have locked your keys inside. Many providers do this at no additional cost, but check your own policy, as terms differ.
When the roadside patrol arrives, they will attempt to retrieve the keys using their own tools and experience. This can be a quick and low cost way back into your vehicle if your policy covers it.
However, a roadside patrol cannot always retrieve the keys. If they cannot get in, they will explain your next options, and you may need to call an auto locksmith or a local garage. If the patrol cannot help, you may have to pay for that next professional step yourself.
When an auto locksmith makes sense
An auto locksmith is a specialist who deals specifically with vehicle locks, keys and entry systems. The Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) says an approved auto locksmith can open a locked vehicle using specialist picking tools and techniques. This means they can usually gain entry without causing any damage to the door, the glass or the locking mechanism.
There is no regulation in the locksmithing industry in the UK, meaning anyone can legally trade as a locksmith without formal training. This is why vetting matters when you choose someone to work on your expensive vehicle. Checking for voluntary approval by a trade body like the MLA gives you some assurance that the locksmith is vetted, has a criminal record check and is properly qualified.
An automotive locksmith suits mainly traditional lock and key cars. Modern car keys often need reprogramming, which locksmiths often cannot do.
If your car is older or uses a standard mechanical key, an auto locksmith may be a good option. You can learn more about choosing between an auto locksmith or main dealer for replacement car keys in the dedicated guide.
When a local garage or main dealer is better
For newer vehicles with complex security systems, a local garage or main dealership might be your only realistic option. A local garage may have contacts with the vehicle manufacturers, who hold the codes and software for modern vehicles.
If a breakdown patrol cannot get in, the vehicle may be towed to a local garage, where a trained professional attempts to unlock it. Be aware that towing to a garage could end up costing you quite a lot.
For very new or high security models, a dealership may be the only option.
What to ask about price and entry
You will not find a reliable standard price for a car lockout because the cost varies widely depending on your situation. The MLA states that the price depends on the specific job, the vehicle, and the day and time you need help. Late night and weekend work costs more than a standard weekday call.
Because prices vary so much, the MLA advises getting at least three quotes from different auto locksmiths if you have the time. You should ask exactly what is included in the price before you agree to a visit, as some companies charge a separate call-out fee just to turn up. Ask if VAT is included in the figure they give you, so there are no surprises on the doorstep.
Always ask these questions when you speak to an auto locksmith on the phone:
- What is the total price for the job, including any call-out charge and VAT?
- How exactly will you gain entry to the vehicle?
- Are your methods likely to cause any damage to the car door or the lock?
- How long will it take you to arrive at my location?
- What is the name of the person who will be attending?
Getting a firm total price prevents a situation where a low quote multiplies once the locksmith arrives. A reputable professional will explain their non-destructive entry methods and confirm whether any risk of damage is likely. If a locksmith refuses to give a price before starting work, or arrives in an unmarked vehicle with no identification, you should look for someone else.
Key cover on your car insurance
Your car insurance policy might cover the cost of getting back into your vehicle, but you must check the wording carefully. Key cover may be included as standard or sold as an optional extra. You need to check your policy limit, your excess and any specific conditions attached to the cover.
Always contact your insurer before you arrange any work yourself. Some providers may not reimburse unagreed work, so you might have to pay the bill yourself if you hire a locksmith without checking first.
Cover limits and rules vary significantly between different insurance providers. For example, Admiral's policies, except Third Party Only, cover lost or stolen keys up to £500 for keys and locks, according to terms last updated in January 2025. This comes with no excess to pay and no effect on your No Claims Bonus, and you arrange the replacement yourself before being reimbursed after the claim is agreed.
That is just one insurer's terms and is not typical of every policy on the market, as cover heavily depends on your insurer and policy level. You must check your own limit and whether your excess is higher than the cost of hiring a local auto locksmith. If the excess is higher than the repair bill, claiming on your insurance might not make financial sense.
Why DIY entry is a bad idea
When you are standing in the rain or running late, it is tempting to try and force the car door open yourself. Do not try coat hangers or similar DIY entry methods. Breakdown services advise against them, call them a last resort and warn they may damage the vehicle and lead to a large bill.
A breakdown provider or an auto locksmith is the safer way back in.
Attempting to break in can damage the vehicle, and the repair bill can be larger than the cost of waiting for someone with the right tools and training.
Common questions
Does breaking a window make sense to get the keys?
Breaking a window is extremely dangerous and should only be done if a child or pet is trapped inside a hot car and you have been advised to do so by the emergency services. For a standard lockout, replacing car glass is expensive, leaves broken glass everywhere, and makes your vehicle insecure until it is fixed. It is usually cheaper and safer to wait for a professional.
Will an auto locksmith ask for proof of ownership?
A reputable auto locksmith may ask you to show that the car is yours before they open it, so have some ID ready if you can.
What happens if the keys are locked in the boot?
Whether keys can be recovered from a locked boot depends on the car, so ask your breakdown provider or the locksmith when you call. Do not try to force the boot open yourself.
Can an auto locksmith cut a new key on site?
Auto locksmiths cover key cutting and transponder and remote programming, but modern car keys need reprogramming and locksmiths often cannot do that for newer cars. If you have completely lost your only car key, ask whether the locksmith can program a replacement for your model or whether you need a garage or dealer.
How to stop it happening again
Locking your keys in the car is an easy mistake to make, The simplest way to prevent it is to form a strict habit of keeping your keys in your pocket rather than putting them on the passenger seat. If you have to put them down while loading shopping, keep them where you can see them before you close any door.
Having a spare key is the most reliable backup plan you can have for any vehicle. If you buy a second hand car that only comes with one key, getting a spare made should be your first priority. A local auto locksmith may be able to cut and program a spare key, so compare quotes with a dealership.
Keep your spare key in a safe place at home where a friend or family member can fetch it for you in an emergency. Never hide a spare key inside the car itself, and do not keep it on the same key ring as your main key.
What to do next
If you are currently locked out of your car, take a deep breath and follow a sensible order of action. Making the right calls in the right order will save you money, prevent damage to your vehicle, and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Follow this checklist to resolve the problem:
- Check that you, your passengers and your pets are safe, and call 999 only if there is immediate danger.
- Call your breakdown provider to see if they will send a patrol to retrieve the keys at no extra cost under your cover.
- Check your car insurance policy wording to see if you have key cover, and call them before arranging work.
- If you need an auto locksmith, call three local firms to compare their total prices and arrival times.
- Ask the locksmith to confirm they will use non-destructive entry methods that will not damage your vehicle.
You do not have to accept the first price you are quoted, and you should never let someone start forcing your car locks without a clear explanation. Take a few minutes to check that the person arriving has a real local presence and clear pricing. If you need a professional to get your car open safely, you can search the directory to find a locksmith near you.
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