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's typically the worst possible time.
Keep a spare key in a safe location such as your purse or wallet. You can leave an extra key with a person you trust and who will bring it to your home.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's nothing worse than locking your keys in your car. It can ruin your entire day, especially if you have young children or pets in the car. It could even be hazardous when you're locked out during bad weather conditions, so it's important to know what you can do in the event that this occurs to you.
Stay calm. Your heart rate will likely spike and your palms might be sweaty It's normal. You must also evaluate the situation before making any decision. It's possible to open your car door with non-destructive, safe methods, such as shoestrings or inflatable wedges. However, it's recommended to have a locksmith programed into your phone, in case you fail or if you can't reach one right away.
Some roadside assistance companies like AAA offers assistance to members who have locked their keys inside their car. You can call them to ask for assistance, but it will usually take a bit of time before they show up. In the meantime, try using shoestrings, a doorstop or a coat hanger made of wire to get into your vehicle. This method isn't foolproof and you may end up damaging your vehicle.
You can also type in "locksmith near me" on your smartphone to find local businesses who can assist. It is important to be aware that some of these companies might be scams. Make sure you thoroughly study and read reviews prior to you call a particular company. You can also ask your friends or family members for suggestions.
You can also contact the garage if you don't have a locksmith programed into your phone. They may have tools and expertise that will allow you to unlock your car without the need for an expert. You'll likely need to show evidence of ownership of the vehicle, such as your driver's license or registration, and your current address in order for them to help you. They can provide a locksmith right to your location to resolve your problem quickly.
2. Call a Tow Truck
Nobody likes locking their keys in the car however, it happens to everyone at some time or another. There are, however, ways to gain access to your vehicle without contacting an locksmith or paying for roadside assistance. Check to see if the roadside assistance plan covers key replacement. It's an optional benefit that's worth looking into. Call them to get a tow truck.
If you don't have roadside assistance, be calm and think strategically. It's not recommended to employ methods that could damage your vehicle, such as prying your door open. You can also solicit a neighbor or passerby for help if it's an area that is safe. If you ask for help from strangers in an area that is crowded can be risky.
Another option is to call your local police department. It may not be an immediate fix, since police officers are usually more concerned with safety or life-threatening circumstances. If you're locked out of your car at night, and it's not located in a danger zone the police may be able to respond immediately.
You can also contact a locksmith out to unlock your vehicle. You'll pay a small fee but it's cheaper than paying for roadside assistance. Consider purchasing an extra car key in case you're worried about the cost. Keep it in your wallet, purse or in a keybox that is magnetic under the front seat. If you don't have a spare key, ensure you have the number for a roadside assistance company programmed into your phone, so that you can call them quickly if needed. The number should be saved on your phone prior to leaving so that you are confident that you can contact them in an emergency situation.
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 are no people or pets in your car. If they are, they could be at risk of suffering from heat stroke or other medical emergency.
You'll need to determine whether you have a spare car key. If it does, then you can use it to unlock the car without having to pay for a locksmith. This will save you time and money and is worth considering in case you often lose your keys.
Contact your insurer in case you don't have a spare or aren't able to find it. Most car insurance companies offer some form of roadside assistance policy that will cover this situation. This is only available in the event that you have paid your policy. If not, you will need to pay for a locksmith or a tow truck.
Certain companies, such as State Farm, include locksmith services as part of their roadside assistance coverage. This is an excellent way to avoid the expense and stress of losing keys and is a great supplement to any auto insurance plan.
Before you enter your car, be sure to take a few moments to inspect the trunk and seat of it for any lost items. You can also buy a lanyard or keychain for your keys to help you keep track of them. Being able to carry them with you at all times can also aid you in case you accidentally lock them inside 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 require an emergency situation. You can usually get your keys back into the car without contacting a tow-truck or the police, unless you're in a busy lane, or if you have pets or people inside who are in danger. Before you do anything else,, call your local dealer to determine if they can help you. They'll have access tools that may allow you to open your vehicle without causing any damage.
If your vehicle is under warranty, you may also be able to get an additional key from the dealer. In this instance it is crucial to keep your vehicle identification number (VIN) handy. locked keys in car service should be on the vehicle's paperwork or on your insurance documents. It's important to keep this information handy, as it can assist the dealer in identifying your vehicle and open the door swiftly.
It is best to be prepared for this kind of scenario by having an extra set of keys stored at home or with a family member who lives nearby. You should also have their phone numbers on speed dial, in case you need to lock your keys inside your car.
If you have to reach your dealer, you must also have an original copy. If you must contact the dealership, they'll give you a quote on a replacement key. This will be more expensive than a locksmith, but it's less time-consuming for you. It's also an excellent idea for drivers to take note of their vehicle's make model, year, and year in case they need to call the dealership.