Locked Out of Your Car? What to Try First — and When to Call a Locksmith

You’re locked out. Keys are inside, door’s shut, and you’ve got somewhere to be. Here’s what actually works — and what wastes your time.

I’m an auto locksmith based in Honiton, Devon, and I deal with car lockouts across Devon, Dorset and Somerset every day. I’m going to give you the honest version of this guide — including which methods are pointless on modern cars — so you don’t waste 40 minutes trying something that won’t work.

Step 1: Check the Obvious First (30 Seconds)

Before anything else:

  • Try every door — the passenger side, rear doors, and the boot. It’s not unusual for one door to be unlocked while the others aren’t.
  • Check if a window is open — even a few centimetres may be enough to reach the interior lock button.
  • Check the boot — on some older vehicles you can fold down the rear seats from inside the boot and reach through.

This sounds too simple, but I’ve arrived at callouts where a rear door was unlocked the whole time. Always check first.

Step 2: Can Someone Bring a Spare Key?

If you have a spare key at home and someone can bring it — that’s your fastest solution. A spare car key is the single most effective way to handle any lockout situation, which is exactly why I recommend every driver has one.

If you don’t have a spare key, now is a good time to think about getting one cut once this is resolved. I can cut and programme spare keys for almost every make and model across Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Step 3: Use Your Car’s App (If You Have One)

Many cars made in the last five years have a manufacturer app with remote unlocking built in. Check yours:

  • Ford: FordPass app
  • Vauxhall: myVauxhall app (OnStar on some models)
  • BMW / Mini: My BMW / MINI app
  • Volkswagen / Audi / Seat / Skoda: We Connect / myAudi / SEAT Connect / Skoda Connect
  • Toyota / Lexus: MyT app
  • Hyundai: Bluelink app
  • Kia: Kia Connect
  • Land Rover / Range Rover: InControl app
  • Mercedes: Mercedes me app

If you’ve set the app up previously and your phone has signal, remote unlock is instant and free. The catch: most people haven’t set the app up until they need it.

Step 4: Check Your Breakdown Cover

If you have breakdown cover with the AA, RAC, Green Flag, or through your car insurance, lockout assistance may be included. Call your provider and check — some policies cover lockouts, some don’t.

Bear in mind: breakdown services can have long wait times, particularly in rural Devon and Dorset where response times can exceed an hour or two. A specialist mobile auto locksmith is often faster and will have the tools to resolve the situation properly, including key programming if needed.

Step 5: Call a Mobile Auto Locksmith

If nothing above has worked, a professional emergency vehicle unlocking service is the right call. A specialist will:

  • Use non-destructive entry tools to open your car without breaking anything
  • Leave no marks on your door, window seal, or paintwork
  • Have you back inside the vehicle within minutes
  • Be able to help with related problems — if the key is damaged, lost, or needs programming, that can often be resolved in the same visit

If you’re in Devon, Dorset or Somerset, call 07830249408 — I aim to reach most locations within 30–60 minutes and I’ll give you an upfront price before I come out.

What About the DIY Methods? (Honest Answer)

You’ll find plenty of guides suggesting coat hangers, shoelaces and slim jims. Here’s the honest trade perspective:

Coat Hanger / Slim Jim

These worked on cars made before roughly 2000, which had simple vertical lock rods close to the window edge. On any car made in the last 20+ years, the internal door architecture is completely different — the lock rods are deeper in the door, wiring runs through the same channel, and the weather seal is tighter. Attempting this on a modern car will almost certainly damage the rubber window seal, and there’s a real risk of triggering the airbag side curtain sensor wiring on some vehicles. I’d strongly advise against it on any car newer than about 2002.

Shoelace Method

This requires the vehicle to have an upright manual lock knob visible above the door trim — the kind you could grab with your fingers. Virtually no car sold in the UK in the last 15 years has this. It’s only relevant on a small number of older vehicles.

Credit Card / Plastic Strip

This works on spring-latch door locks — the kind found on some interior doors in houses. Car door latches are deadlocked the moment you close the door. A credit card will not open a car door. Don’t waste time trying.

Inflatable Wedge (Air Wedge)

This is the tool professionals actually use — it creates a small controlled gap at the top corner of the door, allowing a reach tool to press the interior unlock button. In the right hands it works well. In untrained hands, it’s easy to put too much pressure on the door frame and cause a crease. If you’re attempting this, be conservative with how much you inflate it.

When Is It OK to Break a Window?

One situation only: a child or vulnerable person is locked inside in hot weather, and you cannot get help quickly. In that case, act immediately — choose the smallest rear side window away from the occupant, cover your hand, and strike the corner of the glass. The NHS guidance on heat stroke is clear that a child or pet in a hot car is a medical emergency.

In any other situation, breaking a window costs £150–£400 to replace and is never necessary when a locksmith can reach you. Call first.

How to Avoid Getting Locked Out Again

  • Get a spare key cut and programmed. This is the most reliable solution. I can do this at your home or workplace across Devon, Dorset and Somerset — spare key service details here.
  • Use a key finder tag. Apple AirTag or a Tile tracker attached to your keyring makes lost keys findable before the situation escalates.
  • Set up your manufacturer’s app now, before you need it. Remote unlock only works if the app is already configured.
  • Check breakdown cover includes lockout assistance — not all policies do, and it’s worth knowing before you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the fastest way to get back into a locked car in the UK?

If you have a spare key or someone who can bring one, that’s fastest. If not, a mobile auto locksmith with the right non-destructive entry tools is typically the quickest professional option — usually faster than waiting for breakdown cover in rural areas.

Will a locksmith damage my car to get in?

A professional auto locksmith will not damage your vehicle. The tools used — air wedge, reach tool, and specific lock picks — are designed to open the car without marking the paintwork, door frame, or window seals. This is the key difference between a specialist and an improvised DIY attempt. See our emergency vehicle unlocking service for more detail.

Do I need proof of ownership before a locksmith will open my car?

Yes — any reputable locksmith will ask to see proof that the vehicle is yours before opening it. Typically that means your driving licence, V5C logbook, or insurance certificate showing your name and the vehicle registration. This is standard practice and protects you as much as it protects the locksmith.

How much does an emergency car lockout cost in the UK?

A mobile auto locksmith callout for a standard vehicle unlock typically costs between £60 and £120 depending on location, time of day, and vehicle type. If additional work is needed — such as key cutting or programming because the key is lost or broken — costs will be higher. Always ask for an upfront price before agreeing to a callout.

Will my car alarm go off if a locksmith opens it?

In most cases, no — professional non-destructive entry tools open the physical lock without triggering the alarm circuit. If the alarm does sound briefly, inserting the key in the ignition or using the key fob immediately afterwards will silence it.

Can a locksmith open any car?

A specialist auto locksmith with the right tools can open the vast majority of vehicles. Some very high-security vehicles (certain Teslas, high-end Range Rovers with specific security upgrades) require additional specialist equipment. If you’re unsure, call and describe your vehicle — a good locksmith will tell you honestly whether they can help before coming out.

What if I’ve lost my car keys entirely — not just locked them inside?

This is a different situation to a standard lockout. If your keys are lost, you’ll need a replacement key cut and programmed to your vehicle’s immobiliser — not just the car opened. See our lost car keys service for how that process works.

Locked Out in Devon, Dorset or Somerset?

I cover the full area — Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Bridport, Weymouth, Dorchester, Taunton, Yeovil and everywhere in between. Available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Call 07830249408 for an immediate response — I’ll give you an honest ETA and a price before I come out.

Or send a WhatsApp message if that’s easier.