What to do if…
your car trunk or boot will not open and you need urgent items inside

What to do now

1. Move to the safest available pause before troubleshooting.
   Park legally and away from moving traffic if you can. Put the handbrake on. Use hazard lights if the vehicle may be a hazard. If you are on a motorway hard shoulder or another exposed road position, focus on getting people to safety before trying the boot again.

2. Separate “annoying” from “urgent”.
   If the locked item is medication, medical equipment, mobility equipment, keys, identity documents, or something needed for immediate safety, treat this as time-sensitive. If someone may become unwell without medication or equipment, use NHS 111 for urgent advice. If anyone’s condition is life-threatening, rapidly worsening, or there is immediate danger to life, call 999.

3. Try the quick non-damaging access options.

   • Try the spare key or spare fob if someone nearby can bring it.
   • Use the physical key blade inside the fob if your vehicle has one.
   • If there is a boot key cylinder, try unlocking it directly with the physical key.
   • Try the boot button on the fob and any in-car boot release switch once or twice.
   • If your vehicle has an already-set-up manufacturer app that can unlock the car or boot, try it only if this is quick.

4. Check for a simple lockout setting if it is quick and safe.
   Some vehicles have settings that can disable boot access, such as valet mode, a glovebox switch, a dashboard setting, or an app setting. Check your owner’s manual, dashboard menu, glovebox area, or app only if you can do so safely and without turning this into a long roadside job.

5. Use safe interior access if your vehicle allows it.

   • Fold the rear seats down if they release from inside the cabin.
   • Use a ski hatch or pass-through if your vehicle has one.
   • Use a torch to see the item, but do not remove trim or use tools on the latch.
   • If you can safely reach the urgent item, take it out and stop troubleshooting.

6. Rule out a key fob problem without delaying urgent access.

   • Try standing closer to the vehicle and pressing the fob once or twice.
   • Try the spare fob if you have one.
   • If you already have the right battery and can replace it safely, do that.
   • If the battery change is not quick, stop and move to professional help.

7. Call professional help if the item is still trapped.

   • Call your breakdown provider and say: the boot will not open, what you have already tried, where the vehicle is, and what urgent item is inside.
   • If you do not have breakdown cover, call a reputable auto locksmith and ask about non-destructive boot access.
   • Ask what proof of ownership or identity they need before they attend.
   • If the vehicle is in an unsafe position, tell the breakdown provider or locksmith clearly.

8. Escalate if someone or an animal may be in danger.

   • If you believe a person is trapped in the boot, a child or vulnerable adult is locked in the vehicle, a pet is at immediate risk, or anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
   • If it is not an emergency but you need police contact for a police matter, call 101.