Why Breaking Your Car Window When You Lock Your Key Inside Is Not a Good Idea

Finding yourself in a situation where you’ve locked your car door only to realise that your only key is inside can be incredibly frustrating. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that occurs more often than you might think. In this stressful moment, it’s crucial to stay calm and avoid making rash decisions that could end up causing more harm than good.

From our experience, car owners who have locked their keys inside without a spare often think the simplest solution is to break a window to regain access. While this may seem like an immediate fix, it’s important to understand why it is not the best approach. Here, we explain why breaking a window should be avoided and what you should do instead.

Why You Shouldn’t Break Your Car Window If Your Key Is Locked Inside

Although breaking a window may seem like the fastest and easiest solution, there are several significant downsides to this method:

1. Risk of Injury: One of the most pressing concerns when breaking a car window is the potential for injury. Car windows are designed to be durable and resistant to impact. Attempting to break one without the proper tools can lead to serious cuts from shattered glass or even eye injuries from tiny flying fragments. Even if you manage to break the window, handling broken glass can be dangerous and lead to further harm.
2. High Cost of Repairs: While the idea of breaking a window might seem cost-effective compared to calling for professional help, the reality is quite different. Replacing a broken car window can be surprisingly expensive. The cost not only includes the new glass itself but also the labour for fitting and sealing it correctly. Additionally, any damage to the car’s interior from shattered glass, such as cuts to the upholstery or scuffs on the dashboard, could result in extra expenses. A professional auto locksmith service, by comparison, is often more affordable and spares you from any additional repair costs.
3. Insurance Implications: Many vehicle owners are unaware that intentionally damaging their own car, such as by breaking a window to retrieve a key, may not be covered by their insurance. Most comprehensive car insurance policies in the UK exclude damage that results from the owner’s deliberate actions. While policies might cover accidental damage or theft, they are unlikely to reimburse for repairs when it’s clear the damage was self-inflicted to solve a preventable problem. This can leave you responsible for the full cost of repairs, which could be substantial.
4. Security Risks: Breaking a car window compromises the security of your vehicle. Even after a window is replaced, it might take some time before it’s fully restored to its original strength. During this period, your car could be more vulnerable to break-ins or damage from weather conditions.

Who to Call If Your Key Is Locked in the Car

The best course of action when you find yourself locked out of your car is to contact a professional auto locksmith. Auto locksmiths are trained and equipped to handle situations involving lost, locked-in, or malfunctioning car keys. Unlike emergency services or self-attempted solutions, professional locksmiths use specialised, non-damaging tools to unlock your vehicle, preserving both its interior and exterior condition.

An experienced locksmith can assess the type of locking system your car has and apply the correct techniques to unlock it efficiently. This is particularly important for modern vehicles that may use complex electronic locks or smart key systems. Within minutes, a skilled locksmith can regain access to your car without any damage or risk to your safety.

Locked Keys in Car Cost

The cost of unlocking a car when keys are locked inside can vary based on several factors:

• Make and Model of the Car: More advanced or luxury vehicles may require specialised tools and knowledge, which can influence the cost.
• Type of Locking Mechanism: Cars with more sophisticated electronic systems or advanced security measures may involve a slightly higher service fee due to the extra work involved.
• Location and Time of Service: The location of your vehicle and the time of day or night can also impact the cost. Emergency call-outs in remote areas or during unsociable hours might incur additional charges.

However, despite these variables, the cost of professional emergency car unlocking is often far lower than the expense of replacing a broken window and repairing related damage. To get an accurate quote tailored to your specific situation, we recommend contacting us at Phoenix Car Keys on our 24/7 helpline: 03330065210. Our team will provide a clear, upfront cost, discuss the estimated time of arrival, and ensure you receive fast and reliable service.

In conclusion, while the impulse to break a window in an emergency is understandable, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and costs involved. Choosing a professional auto locksmith ensures a safe, efficient, and damage-free solution that will save you money and stress in the long run.