How Can I Get Back in My Car If I Lock My Keys in the Car?
If you're a vehicle owner most likely, you've locked your keys in your car at least once. It usually happens at the worst time possible.
Keep a spare key in a safe place, such as your purse or wallet. You can leave the spare key with a person you trust and they will bring it to your home.
1. Call an expert locksmith
There's nothing more embarrassing than locking the keys inside your car. It can ruin your day - especially in the event of an extremely hot or cold day and you have young children or pets in the vehicle. It's a risk to be locked out of your car during bad weather. Knowing what to do when car door opening service happens.
Keep calm. Normal for your heart rate to spike and palms to sweat. You should also assess the situation before making any decision. You may be able to unlock your car's door by using non-destructive and safe methods, such as shoestrings or inflatable wedges. But it's still a good idea to program a locksmith into your phone, in case you fail or if you're unable to locate one immediately.
Some roadside assistance providers such as AAA provide assistance to members when they lock their keys inside their car. You can contact them to solicit their assistance but it might take some time for them to arrive. You can use a shoestring, a doorstop, or a coat hanger wire to get inside your car. This method isn't 100% secure and you may end up damaging your vehicle.
You can also search "locksmith near me" on your phone to find local businesses who can assist. It's important to keep in mind that some of these businesses could be scams. Be sure to do your look up reviews and research before you make a phone call to a specific company. You might also ask a trusted friend or family member for recommendations.
If you don't have a locksmith programmed into your phone, you can contact your garage. They might have the tools and experience that can help you unlock your car without the need for a professional. In order to get assistance, you'll need prove that you own the car (such as your driver's licence or registration) and your current location. They'll then send a locksmith to your location and solve your issue quickly and securely.
2. Call a Tow truck
It's not a popular choice to lock their keys inside their car however, it happens to everyone at some moment. Fortunately, there are ways to get back into your vehicle without having to call a locksmith or paying for roadside assistance. Find out if the roadside assistance plan includes key replacement. It's usually an optional coverage but it's worth a look to determine whether you're covered. Call them to get a tow truck.
If you don't have roadside assistance, keep your cool and think strategically. It's not recommended to employ methods that could harm your vehicle, for instance, opening your car door. You could also ask a neighbour or passers-by for assistance, but only in a safe area. If you ask for help from strangers in a busy area can be risky.
Another option is to call your local police department. It's not an immediate fix, since police officers are typically more concerned with security or life-threatening situations. They may be able help in an emergency, but if you're locked out of your vehicle at night and it's not an unsafe area and they're not able to respond immediately, they'll be unable to help.
You could also call locksmiths to come out and unlock your vehicle. They'll typically charge a small fee, but it's better than paying for roadside assistance. If you're worried about the cost, think about getting a spare key for your vehicle. Keep it in your wallet, purse or in a keybox that is magnetic under the front seat. If you don't own an extra, be sure to program the number of a roadside assistance company in your phone. This allows you to call them quickly in an emergency. It's a good idea have this number saved before you leave to ensure that you feel confident knowing that you can call them in the event of an emergency.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
We've all been there - at the end of a long day, you head back to your car and lock your keys inside. It's a nightmare situation however it can be avoided with a bit preparation.
Before calling roadside assistance, make sure that there aren't any people or pets in your car. If there are, they may be in danger of heat stroke or other medical emergency.
You'll want to check if you have an extra car key. If it does, then you could use it to open the car without having to pay for a locksmith. This will save you time and money if you lose keys often.
If your car doesn't have a spare key, or you are unable to locate it, you should contact your insurance company. Most car insurance companies offer some form of roadside assistance which will cover the situation. This only applies in the event that you have paid your policy. If you don't then you'll have to pay for the tow truck or locksmith.
Some companies, such as State Farm, include locksmith services as part of their roadside assistance coverage. This is a great way to save yourself the hassle and expense of losing your car keys and it can be a great addition to any auto insurance policy.
Examine the trunk and the seat of your car before you enter. You can also purchase an lanyard or keychain to hold your keys to help you keep the track of them. Having them on you at all times can also aid you in case you accidentally lock them inside your car!
4. Call Your Car Dealer
Locking your keys inside the vehicle is a common problem. However, it does not have to be a major issue. Unless your vehicle is stuck in an active lane or there are elderly, children, or pets in danger inside of it, you'll be able to return to your car without calling the police or a tow truck. Call your local dealer first to see if they are capable of helping. They'll have access to special tools that may allow you to open your vehicle without causing any damage.
If your car is in warranty, you might be able to get an additional key from the dealer. If this is the case, you should have an original copy of your vehicle identification number, also known as a VIN, handy. It should be included on your car's paperwork or in your insurance documents. It is essential to keep this information in your possession because it will assist the dealer in identifying your car and open the door swiftly.
You'll be more prepared if you've got a spare set of car keys in your home or with a close friend. You should also have their phone numbers on speed dial in case you lock your keys in the car.
Also, ensure that you have an original copy of your car's registration or license in case you need to call the dealership. If you must contact the dealership, they can offer a price for a replacement key. This will be more expensive than a locksmith service, but it's less time-consuming for you. It's a good idea to keep track of the make, model and year of your vehicle in case you need to contact the dealership.