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. And usually, it happens at the most difficult times.
Keep a spare key in a safe place like your purse or wallet. Alternatively, leave a spare with someone you trust that can bring it to you.
1. Contact a Locksmith
There's nothing more embarrassing than locking your keys in the car. It can ruin your day - especially if it's an icy or hot day and you have pets or children in the vehicle. It can even be dangerous if you're locked out in bad weather, so it's crucial to know what to do if this happens to you.
Be calm. It's normal for your heart rate to spike and palms to sweat. You should also assess the situation prior to taking any action. You may be able to open your car door with non-destructive, safe methods such as wedges made of shoestrings or inflatable ones. It's a good idea, however, to add an unlock code into your phone in the event that you fail or are unable to get hold of one immediately.
Some roadside assistance providers such as AAA offer assistance to members when they lock their keys in their car. You can call to request their help but it might take a while for them to show up. You can make use of a shoestring or a doorstop, or a coat hanger wire to gain entry into your vehicle. This method isn't foolproof, and you might end up damaging your vehicle by doing it.
You can also type in "locksmith near me" on your smartphone to find local businesses who can assist. It's important to keep in mind that some of these companies could be scams. Before you call a company be sure to review their reviews and conduct a thorough research. You can also ask a friend or family member for their suggestions.
If you do not have a locksmith programmable into your phone, you can also call your garage. You can also contact your garage. They might have the tools and knowledge to unlock your vehicle without the need for an expert. In order to get help, you'll need to provide proof of ownership of the car (such as your driver's license or registration) and your current location. They can dispatch a locksmith directly to your home to resolve your issue quickly.
2. Call a tow truck
It's not a popular choice to lock their keys in their car however, it happens to everyone at some point. There are a few ways to gain entry into your vehicle without having to pay for roadside assistance or contacting a locksmith. First, you should determine whether your roadside assistance coverage includes key replacement. G28 's an optional insurance that's worth checking. Call them to get an tow truck.
If you don't have roadside assistance, keep your cool and think rational. It's not a great idea to open your car's doors open or employ any other methods that may damage your vehicle. You can also ask a neighbour or passerby for assistance however only if you're in a secure area. If you ask for help from strangers in a busy area could be risky.
Another option is to contact your local police department. This may not be an easy fix, since police officers are usually more concerned with safety or life-threatening situations. If you are locked out of your vehicle at night, and it's not located in a dangerous area the police may be able to respond immediately.
You can also contact a locksmith to unlock your car. You'll have to pay a small amount but it's cheaper than paying for roadside help. Consider getting a spare car key if you're worried about cost. It's a good idea keep it in a convenient place, such as your purse or wallet or in a magnetic key box under the front seat. If you don't have a spare key ensure that you have the number of the roadside assistance company plugged into your phone so that you can call them quickly when needed. It's a good idea save this number before you even go out so that you're at ease knowing that you will be able to call them in the event of an emergency.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
We've all been there: you get home from a long day at work and lock your keys to your car inside. It's a nightmare, but it's avoidable with a little planning.
Before calling roadside assistance, make sure that there aren't any passengers or pets in your car. If there are, they could be in danger of heat stroke or other medical emergencies.
You'll also want to determine if your car has a spare key or not. If you have a spare key, you can use it without the expense of an locksmith. This will save you time and money if you lose your keys frequently.
If your vehicle does not have a spare key, or you're unable to locate it, then contact your insurance company. Most insurance companies offer roadside assistance that will cover you in this scenario. This only applies in the event that you have paid your policy. If not 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 method to avoid the expense and stress of losing your keys and could be a great addition to any insurance plan for vehicles.
Check the trunk and seat of your car prior to you go in. You can also buy an lanyard or keychain to hold your keys to help you keep track of them. You can also remain calm if you keep them with you at all times in case you forget to lock your keys in your car.
4. Call Your Car Dealer
It's not a secret that locking your keys inside your car is a common problem however, what many don't know is that it doesn't have to be an emergency situation. Unless your vehicle is stuck in a busy lane or has elderly or children or pets at risk inside of it, you should be able to return without contacting the police or a tow truck. Before doing anything else, though, call your local dealer to determine whether they can help. They'll have access tools that could be able to open your vehicle without causing any damage.
If your vehicle is covered under warranty, you might be able to get an additional key from the dealer. In this case, it is important to have your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. The VIN should be found on the paperwork for your car or in your insurance paperwork. This information is vital, as it will help the dealer quickly identify your vehicle and unlock the doors.
Ideally, you'll be prepared for this type of scenario by having an extra set of keys stashed somewhere at home or with a family member who lives nearby. It's important to keep the contact numbers of the people you've listed on speed dial in the event that you lock your keys in your car and require assistance.
If you must contact your dealer, you must also have a copy. If you need to contact the dealership, they can provide you with a price estimate for a replacement key. It's more expensive than a locksmith, but it will cause less hassle for you. It's also recommended for drivers to keep a record of their vehicle's model, make model, year and year in the event that they have to call the dealership.