You've probably locked your keys inside your car at least one time if you own a car. It's usually at the most inconvenient time.
Place a spare key somewhere secure, such as in your purse or wallet. You can also leave an extra key with someone who you trust and who will bring it to your home.1. Contact a Locksmith
There's not much worse than locking your keys inside the car. It can ruin your day, particularly if have children or pets in the car. It could even be hazardous if you're locked out in bad weather conditions, so it's important to know what you can do in case this happens to you.
First, be calm. Normal for your heart rate to spike and palms to sweat. It is important to assess the situation before taking any action. You might be able to unlock your car's doors with non-destructive, safe methods like wedges made of shoestrings or inflatable ones. However, it's recommended to have a locksmith programed into your phone, in case you fail or if you're unable to locate one immediately.
Some roadside assistance companies like AAA provide assistance to members who lock their keys inside their car. You can call them to request assistance however, it may take a while before they show up. In the meantime, try using shoestrings, a doorstop, or a wire coat hanger to get into your vehicle. This method isn't 100% secure, and you might end up damaging your vehicle during the process.
You can also use your smartphone to search for local companies that provide assistance. It's important to be aware that some of these businesses may be scammers. Be sure to do your study and read reviews prior to you call a particular company. You can also ask your friends or family members for recommendations.
If you do not have a locksmith programmable into your phone, you can also call your garage. You can also contact your garage. They may have the tools and knowledge to unlock your vehicle without the need of an expert. You'll probably need to show proof of ownership of the vehicle, like your driver's license or registration and your current location to assist you. They'll then send an expert locksmith to your address and solve your problem quickly and in a safe manner.
2. Contact a Tow truck
Nobody likes locking their keys in the car but it happens to everyone at some point. There are, however, ways to gain access to your vehicle without having to call a locksmith or paying for roadside assistance. First, make sure to determine whether your roadside assistance coverage includes key replacement. It's usually an optional coverage however it's worth checking to see if you have this. Call them to get a tow truck.
If you don't have assistance from a roadside service, remain calm and use common sense. It's not a great idea to pry your car's door open or employ any other methods that may cause damage to your vehicle. You could ask a neighbor or passerby for help however only if you're in a safe environment. If you're in a busy area, it could be dangerous to ask for help from strangers.
You can also contact your local police department. This may not be an easy fix, since police officers are generally more concerned with security or life-threatening situations. If you are locked out car out of your car at night and it's not in a dangerous area police officers can respond quickly.
You can also call a locksmith out to unlock your vehicle. They'll typically charge a small fee, but it's more affordable than paying for roadside assistance. If you're concerned about the cost, think about getting a spare key for your vehicle. It's a good idea keep it in a convenient place in your purse or wallet or in a keybox that is magnetic under the front seat. If you don't have a spare key then make sure you have the number for the roadside assistance company plugged into your phone so that you can call them immediately if you need to. It's a good idea to save this number before you go out so that you can feel secure knowing that you can call them in the event of an emergency.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
We've all been there: you get home from a long and tiring day and you lock your car keys inside. It's a nightmare scenario, but one that can be avoided with a bit of preparation.
Before calling roadside assistance, ensure that there are no people or pets in your vehicle lockout. If they are, then they may be at risk of heat stroke or another medical emergency.
You should check if you have an extra car key. If it does, then you can use it to open the car without paying a locksmith to do so. This option will save you money and time, and it's worth considering if you regularly lose your keys.
Contact your insurer if you don't have a spare or can't locate it. Most car insurance companies provide roadside assistance that can help the cost in this case. This is only available in the event that you have paid your policy. If not, you will have to pay for a locksmith or a tow truck.
Certain companies, like State Farm, will include locksmith services in their roadside assistance coverage. This is a great method to avoid the expense and anxiety of losing your keys and can be a great addition to any auto insurance plan.
Examine the trunk and the seat of your car before you go in. You can also purchase an lanyard or keychain to help you track your keys. Carrying them around at all times can also help you remain calm in the event that you lock out car services them in your car!
4. Contact Your Car Dealer
It's not a secret that locking the keys in your car is a common problem however, what many aren't aware of is that it doesn't have to be an emergency situation. If your vehicle isn't in an active lane or has elderly, children, or pets at risk inside of it, you can usually return without contacting the police or a tow truck. Before doing anything else, though you should contact your local dealer to determine whether they can assist you. They may have tools to open your car without damaging your vehicle.
You may be able to obtain a new key at the dealership if your vehicle is still covered by warranty. If this is the case, it is recommended to have an image of your vehicle's identification number, or VIN, in your possession. It should be included on your car's paperwork or in your insurance documents. This information is vital because it will allow the dealer quickly identify your car and unlock the doors.
You'll be more prepared if you've got an extra set of car keys at your home or with a trusted friend. It's also a good idea to keep the contact numbers of those people on speed dial in the event that you need to lock your keys in the car and need their help.
If you need to contact your dealership, you should have a copy. If you do need to contact your dealership, they'll be able to provide you with a quote for a replacement key. It's more expensive than a locksmith, but it's less time-consuming for you. It is a good idea to keep track of the make, model and year of your car in case you need to call the dealership.