What to do when your child locks themselves in the car

Discovering your child is locked inside the car with the keys can be a terrifying moment for any parent. 

Last year, the NRMA rescued 1332 animals and 889 children from locked cars, so this happens more often than you may think. 

Staying calm and assessing the situation is vital, and knowing who to call for help first can make all the difference. 

Your best option is to call for help, and determining who to call in this scenario is essential. 

First, evaluate the urgency and potential danger. If the interior of the car is hot, immediately dial 000. They will dispatch Fire and Rescue promptly, equipped with the necessary tools. 

Be aware, without a key, the only option to access a modern vehicle is often to break a window. 

What about Police and Ambulance? We spoke to a police officer and a paramedic, both confirming they are not required to carry window breakers, but in an emergency situation they will still attempt to gain access any way they can.

If not an immediate emergency and no one can deliver your spare key, contact your roadside assistance and they will prioritise you. 

“Even if you don’t have roadside assistance, you can still call NRMA on 13 11 22 and you will be pushed to the head of the queue,” NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury told Drive.

A NSW-based mechanic we spoke to confirmed that new cars are very secure and prove difficult for even professionals to break into. 

Even with older cars, unless you have the necessary tools handy, attempting to break into a vehicle yourself with your child inside can be dangerous and time-consuming. 

Emergency window breakers – those little red hammers you’ve probably seen on a bus – have a metal tip designed to break safety glass.

Some are spring-loaded and don’t require much strength to break the window, while others will need a bit of force.

They seem simple and safe to use, although when broken glass is involved, there is always a chance you may injure yourself or others.

If you’re worried about insurance claims, a spokesperson for Insurance Australia Group (IAG) confirmed to Drive that in this scenario, where you're rescuing a child from a vehicle, damage would likely be covered under a claim. 

Their comprehensive policies cover the reasonable cost to repair or replace a windscreen, sunroof, or any window glass. 

This includes anything that’s part of the window glass, such as window tinting, demisters, and rain sensors. Always check with your insurance provider to determine your specific cover.

Keep a toy nearby to keep those toddler hands busy, so your keys don’t need to double as a plaything.

It’s also wise to have a spare key somewhere accessible. 

If you don’t have a spare, get one cut. For cars with keyless entry, getting an additional key fob can be expensive – think $300 to $700 depending on brand and whether you’re sourcing it from an independent locksmith or an authorised dealer. 

A cost-effective alternative to a remote key fob is to have an auto locksmith cut a spare non-remote key, service key or valet key for around $50. Most cars with keyless entry have a physical key either stored inside the key fob or glove box.

While some won’t disarm or start the car, and others won't provide access to the glove box or boot, they will all open the door in an emergency. 

Make sure you know beforehand where the key hole is located – they’re sometimes hidden behind a removable panel on a door handle, or underneath the handle itself! 

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This article is not intended as legal advice. Always consult your individual insurer and law enforcement agencies for more specific guidance.