Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Alan Weir
Creating a Family Emergency Plan for Car Lockouts
Locking yourself out of your car can happen to the best of us, and it usually happens at the most inconvenient times. Whether you’re rushing to an important meeting or attempting to juggle several bags while wrangling a toddler, you may find that the doors to your trusty vehicle are firmly shut, with your keys resting ever-so-innocently on the driver’s seat. Panic sets in, followed by frustration, and before long, you’re left wondering what to do next. Creating a family emergency plan for car lockouts can save you stress and streamline the process of getting back on the road. So, let’s have a chat about how to put together a plan that’s not just sensible but also empowering for your whole family.
Step 1: Assess the Risk
First things first—let’s face it, everyone is ultimately at risk of lockout incidents. According to recent surveys, the average person might accidentally lock their keys inside their car at least once in their lifetime, and children tend to contribute to this statistic far too often. Assess how frequently you or your family members use the car, where you park, and the general level of distraction during those times. If you’re the designated driver for your kids’ playdates, you may want to be extra vigilant.
Step 2: Designate a Go-To Person
Choose a reliable member of your family to be the point of contact in case you find yourself locked out. This person could be your partner, an older sibling, or even a responsible neighbour. Their role will be to keep a cool head during the situation, ready to offer practical solutions rather than just frantic calls of “What do you want me to do?”
Step 3: Keep a Spare Key
The simplest way to alleviate the worry of a lockout is to have a spare key handy. But let’s face it: how often do we misplace things? Instead of just keeping the spare key in your home, think outside the box. Consider these options:
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Magnetic Key Holder: Find a discreet location under the car to attach a magnetic key holder. It’s important that it’s not too obvious to potential thieves, but still accessible to you.
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Trusted Neighbour or Friend: Give a spare key to someone you trust who lives nearby. This not only ensures you’ll have access to a spare if you need it but also builds a sense of community support.
- Key Hiding Devices: Some people choose key-hiding rocks, which do a decent job of covering up your spare key without drawing too much attention. Just ensure yours isn’t too ‘on the nose’, like a rock that looks freshly painted and placed!
Step 4: Create a Lockout Contact List
Make a comprehensive list of contacts and services you might need when a lockout occurs. This list should be conveniently stored in a shared family space—perhaps on the fridge or even saved in the mainstream apps that everyone uses on their phones. It’s helpful to categorise the list:
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Friends & Family: Names of people who can come to assist with an extra set of keys.
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Local Locksmith Services: Have a couple of locksmiths saved in your phone. Make sure they’re highly rated and offer 24/7 service, because let’s be honest—lockouts rarely happen during standard hours.
- Roadside Assistance Numbers: If you have a membership to a roadside assistance club, have those numbers easily accessible. Most providers include lockout services.
Step 5: Teach Everyone the Plan
Once you’ve designed your escape route back into your car after a lockout, it’s time to share the plan with everyone who might be in the car with you. Sit down as a family and walk through the steps you’ve outlined. It can be a fun little exercise, and it’ll help to alleviate any nervousness around these kinds of situations. Plus, it helps everyone feel involved, including the little ones. Use role-playing to practice calling the locksmith or a family member.
Step 6: Familiarise with Technology
A lot of modern cars come with technologies that can assist in cases of lockouts. Familiarising yourself with any available tech in your vehicle can save you from the frustrations of a lockout.
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Smart Keys: If your car has a smart key or keyless entry, take the time to understand how it works. Some models even allow for mobile apps that can unlock your car remotely.
- Emergency Features: Learn how to manually unlock your doors if the electronic keys fail. Many vehicles come with backup keys hidden in the fob—knowing how these features work can make a world of difference.
Step 7: Crisis Management
It might be beneficial to plan ahead for those situations where everything goes wrong. In the event that no one can come to your aid straight away, have a little kit in your glove box with items to keep you comfortable while waiting:
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Water & Snacks: Keep hydrated and snacked up for those longer waits.
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A Blanket: If you’re parked in a less-than-comfortable location, perhaps a chilly car park or the loveable British rain, having a small blanket can make your wait more bearable.
- Entertainment: Consider keeping a book, a crossword puzzle, or even downloaded movies on your phone as a distraction.
Step 8: Stay Trained
Just like you would with any emergency procedure, keep yourself updated and practice your newfound lockout strategies. Perhaps set a yearly reminder to revisit your lockout plan as a family. You can even schedule a mini family quiz on lockout scenarios—that way, you can keep it fresh in everyone’s mind without turning it into a tedious task.
Step 9: Communicate with Kids
If your family has younger members, communicate the ‘do’s and don’ts’ in a manner that resonates with them. Explain the importance of keeping the car doors locked and what to do if they find a parent outside the car. Kids may be tempted to button-push and lock or unlock doors just for fun—ensure they know the difference between play and urgent situations.
Building an emergency plan for car lockouts may not seem as glamorous as a family holiday itinerary or a birthday bash, but it’s an essential part of family life. The key takeaway is to keep it simple, keep it accessible, and keep it fun! With a little preparation, you’ll turn a potentially catastrophic situation into just another minor hiccup on your family adventures. Tackle it head-on, and you’ll be well-equipped for the times when the door doesn’t swing open at your command.
Alan Weir – Master Locksmith with 30+ Years of Experience
Alan Weir is the founder of Weir Locksmiths and a Master Locksmith with over three decades of experience. Renowned for his expertise in home and automotive security, Alan has built a reputation for providing reliable and innovative locksmith solutions across the UK.
A certified member of the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), Alan specialises in residential, commercial and automotive locksmith services including car key replacement, transponder programming, and advanced security systems. His dedication to the field has earned him thousands of satisfied customers and glowing reviews on platforms like Checkatrade.
Now contributing to RevLock, Alan shares his expert knowledge to all of RevLocks visitors.
