Would it surprise you that over 2.5 million vehicle owners seek roadside assistanceannually (including accidental car lockouts)? That equates to nearly 7,000 roadside callouts to locksmith pros daily!
Car lockouts are frustrating and very inconvenient. It can be expensive, too. Things can get even trickier (and pricier) to sort out, with today’s high-tech car locking systems. On the other hand, older vehicles with manual locks come with their own set of quirks and pitfalls.
This guide, brought to you by an expert UK locksmith Doncaster, is your go-to resource for avoiding the dreaded car lockout. We’ll walk you through eight smart, practical steps to keep you and your keys on the right side of the car door, whether you’re driving the latest keyless entry model or a trusty old hatchback.
A Primer on Car Lockouts
Getting locked out of one’s car happens more frequently than we care to admit. Owners could misplace their keys or accidentally lock them inside the car. Thieves can strike, too. These frustrating situations occur without warning and often at the worst possible moment. They’re among the top reasons motorists call for roadside assistance each year in the UK.
A little planning can help prevent vehicular lockouts. Carrying a spare key, either with you, in a safe place, or with someone you trust, can be a simple lifesaver. And if you’re driving a newer vehicle, features like remote unlock and smart key access make it much easier to get back in without a locksmith (or a panic attack).
In short, car lockouts are a common inconvenience that can be easily avoided with a bit of planning and awareness. By understanding the risks and taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself time, stress, and potentially costly solutions. With that in mind, let’s look at eight practical steps you can take to avoid being locked out of your car in the first place.
8 Practical Steps to Avoid Being Locked Out of Your Car
Car lockouts are frustrating but avoidable. Reducing the risk is easy with a few simple habits and precautions. Here are eight expert locksmith-approved practical steps to help you stay one step ahead.
Step 1: Develop a “Keys First” Habit
One of the simplest (and most effective) ways to avoid a car lockout is to build a consistent habit, like checking for your keys before closing any car door. It sounds obvious enough (until the one time you forget). Getting distracted or feeling rushed often increases car lockout risks.
Turning this into a habit can start with using verbal cues. For example, you could mumble “keys in hand” every time you get out of your vehicle. You can also develop a quick mental checklist, like wallet + phone + keys. It becomes second nature over time.
Moreover, it pays to keep your car keys in the exact same place, like a coat pocket, handbag pouch, or clipped to your belt. Consistency helps cut down on panicked searches.
However, even the most careful drivers get caught out now and then. That’s why professional locksmiths, who deal with lockouts daily, often stress the value of small habits like these. Many of the tips in this guide come straight from their experience, helping you avoid problems before they happen.
Step 2: Use a Spare Key Strategically
Having a spare car key can be a lifesaver BUT only if you store it smartly. Your first task is to get a reputable locksmith cut and program a spare car key. Doing so can set you back by £50 to £150 (depending on your vehicle’s make and model).
Where you keep that spare key matters too. Some drivers keep it in a wallet or purse, while others use a magnetic box hidden under the car (though this method carries security risks). Another option is leaving it with a trusted friend or family member who’s usually nearby.
Avoid hiding it in obvious places, like under the wheel arch, inside the fuel cap, or behind the number plate. Car thieves know those spots too.
Many locksmiths recommend carrying a spare key in a secure but accessible way, based on what they’ve seen work in real-world situations. Their experience often highlights the balance between accessibility and safety, helping drivers avoid lockouts and theft.
Step 3: Invest in Smart Tech like Key Finders and Apps
Tech can be a real game-changer when it comes to avoiding car lockouts. You can pair Bluetooth key trackers (like Tile or Apple AirTag) with your smartphone to help you locate misplaced keys in seconds. Your smatphone will even point you to your keys if they’re nearby. Some trackers even alert you if you’ve left your keys behind.
Many car brands now offer vehicle trackingapps with remote features (like unlocking your car via your phone). Apps like FordPass and Mercedes Me give drivers more control and backup options, especially if you’re prone to locking your keys inside.
Locksmiths see a growing number of cases where drivers rely on these digital tools. While smart tech doesn’t replace the need for a physical key, professional locksmiths often recommend combining tech and traditional habits to reduce your risk. After all, locksmiths are the ones called when things go wrong. They know which tools actually help.
Step 4: Take Control of Auto-Locking Features
Keyless entry systems are convenient BUT only until they lock your car with the keys still inside. It happens more often than you’d think. Automatic locking is meant to protect your vehicle. Unfortunately, it can leave you stranded when tech glitches or timing misfires.
If your car has auto-lock features, check your manual to see if you can disable or adjust them. Some vehicles allow you to tweak settings to avoid accidental lock-ins.
Better yet, follow manual locking best practices. Take the key with you when getting out of your vehicle. Always! Moreover, lock the car yourself. It adds a few seconds, but can save you hours of hassle.
Professional locksmiths regularly deal with tech-related lockouts, especially with modern systems that don’t always behave as expected. Their advice? Don’t trust the tech blindly. Always consider this tech a tool, NOT a safety net.
Step 5: Keep Your Car Doors and Locks in Tip-Top Shape
Car lockouts aren’t always due to lost keys. Sometimes, your vehicle’s locks or fobs fail (often without warning). Worn-out door mechanisms, drained key fob batteries, or faulty sensors can all lead to unexpected lockouts at the worst times.
Regularly checking your key fob’s battery or power supply helps you stay clear of potential problems. You can test your car door locks and look out for signs of wear (like stiffness or delayed responses) too.
Consider having a locksmith or mechanic inspect your car door locks and fobs periodically. Locksmiths in particular can spot early signs of trouble that most drivers overlook, thanks to their hands-on experience with a wide range of car makes and models.
Step 6: Know What to Do in an Emergency Car Lockout
Getting locked out of your car can still happen, even when you practice the best habits. Staying calm is key when such an event transpires. Start with a thorough check of the car doors (even the boot). You would be surprised how often one is still unlocked. If you’re truly stuck, it’s time to call for help.
Your go-to options are roadside assistance services (like the AA or RAC) or a reputable mobile auto locksmith. Response times typically range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on location. Costs can vary, but expect to pay £60–£150, especially outside regular hours.
Avoid the temptation to break a car window or use DIY tools because it often causes more damage and can end up costing more than a professional fix.
An expert advice? You can save emergency contact numbers in your phone. Keep a written copy too. Locksmiths regularly help drivers in these situations, and their calm, experienced approach can turn a stressful moment into a quick solution, without the broken glass.
Step 7: Consider Car Lockout Insurance or Breakdown Cover
It’s always sound advice to add lockout protection to your vehicle breakdown insurance cover. Many UK providers offer plans that include help if you’re locked out, plus key replacement and home start services.
You can look for features like vehicle access assistance when comparing insurance policies. Check coverage for lost or stolenkeys and whether the insurer will assist at home as well as on the road. Some budget-friendly plans cover the basics. Meanwhile, premium options offer more comprehensive protection. The latter is often worth it if you rely heavily on your car.
Locksmiths often work hand-in-hand with breakdown services, especially when specialist tools are needed to open modern vehicles without damage. Their expertise is often called on behind the scenes, making these services more effective than most drivers realise.
Step 8: Stay in Sync When You Share a Car
Do you share your car with family or housemates? Ensure everyone’s on the same page when it comes to keys and lockout routines. Many lockouts happen because one driver assumes the other has the key, or someone locks up without realising the spare’s still inside.
You will want to agree on a simple routine to avoid car key location confusion. For example, where should everyone keep the car keys? Who has the spare key? What should the key-holder do in an emergency? A printed checklist in the glovebox or a shared note on your phones can be a helpful reminder.
Locksmiths often see these shared-use mishaps firsthand, especially when there’s no clear system in place. A little coordination goes a long way in keeping your shared car (and your day) running smoothly.
How Locksmiths Help You Dodge Car Lockouts
Locksmiths aren’t just there to save the day after you’ve locked yourself out. They can actually help prevent car lockouts from happening. With their day-to-day experience, they know exactly what causes vehicle lockouts and how to avoid them.
Many offer handy preventative services, including:
- Spare car key cutting and programming
- Key fob battery checks and replacements
- Car door lock maintenance and minor repairs
- Advice on auto-lock settings and keyless entry tips
- Non-destructive entry methods (when things go wrong)
They’re also a great source of practical, unbiased advice on what systems work best, from tech trackers and spare key storage to vehicle breakdown cover features that actually help when you’re stuck.
Final Thoughts
Nobody likes getting locked out of their ride. It’s frustratingly inconvenient. These situations aren’t unavoidable. Staying a step ahead of such worries is easy, as does keeping your keys and sanity right where they belong. You can build simple habits, use smart tools, and know when to call on expert help.
Remember, preventing car lockouts is always better (and more economical) than an emergency callout. When you need assistance, professional locksmiths are there to rescue you. More importantly, they’re valuable partners in helping you avoid lockouts altogether. So, stay prepared, stay calm, and keep those car keys handy!