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With car manufacturers prioritising new tech and keyless entry systems, motorists are being told how to handle lockouts. Locksmith experts are warning motorists that while modern vehicles offer convenience, they also introduce new risks of being locked out.
Online searches for “locked out of car” have risen by 22% in the past year, highlighting a growing issue for UK motorists as keyless technology becomes more common.
Battery failures, app issues, system faults and extreme weather conditions all impact keyless car entry systems.
With 2,000 online searches in the last month alone, it’s clear this is a problem for motorists across the country. Keyless entry systems have become more popular in modern vehicles, but faults and drained batteries have left millions of drivers locked out.
Of course, many motorists also lose their keys and lock them inside their car, so keyless systems aren’t the only reason many find themselves unable to access their vehicle.
Master locksmith and founder of The Perspicacity Life, Craig Andres, said: “Drivers may assume keyless entry makes life easier, but it actually introduces new failure points. We’re seeing more lockouts caused by dead key fob batteries, app failures, and simple reliance on tech without a backup plan.
“Getting locked out, whether it’s from your home or car, is often very stressful and frustrating. This is why it’s important to understand what steps you can take to get back in. It’s also important to know what not to do, as many DIY methods could end up resulting in hefty repair costs.”
What Not to Do
Before understanding the best course of action, it’s important to know what to avoid when stuck in this situation. Unless there is a child or pet in the vehicle, avoid breaking a window to gain entry, as it could result in injury or an expensive repair bill. While DIY methods to get back into your car may be tempting, they can cause costly damage that will be more frustrating in the long run.
Car Companion App
Manufacturers have started introducing companion apps that drivers can use alongside other functions, such as sharing location information and checking charge or fuel levels. The handheld car management tool can be super handy when you’re locked out, but it is only available for newer models.
Contact Your Car Manufacturer
Many modern vehicles will be equipped with a service that allows for remote car unlocking. If your vehicle has this, you are in luck, and your car manufacturer should be able to help you out very quickly. Remote unlocking won’t be an option for everyone, but your manufacturer can provide guidance on next steps.
Call a Locksmith
If you have had no luck with other attempts to get back in your car, you should call a qualified and reliable locksmith. Automotive locksmiths provide emergency services for those locked out of their vehicles. They cover a wide range of services, including key replacements, broken keys, car lockouts, and ignition repairs.
Call For Roadside Assistance
Many providers will handle lockouts as part of their membership or policy, so it’s worth getting in touch and seeing if they can help. They can either send a technician to safely open your vehicle or arrange for a locksmith.
Stay Safe
If you have called your assistance provider or a locksmith for assistance, it’s important that you stay safe. If you are away from home, try to wait for assistance in a safe public place. In hot weather, seek shade and try to stay hydrated and try to conserve phone battery.
Check Your Insurance Policy
Key replacement may be covered under your car insurance policy, so once you have resolved the issue, it may be worth contacting your provider to see what your policy states. Being covered will give you peace of mind in the event of any future accidents.
The Perspicacity Life connects locksmiths with customers seeking emergency locksmith services and advertises independent locksmiths across the UK, covering England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
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