13 Things About I Lock My Keys In The Car You May Not Have Known
How Can I Get Back in My Car If I Lock My Keys in the Car?
If you're a car-owner most likely, you've locked your keys in the car at least once. It's usually at the most inconvenient time.
Keep an extra key in a secure place such as your purse or wallet. Alternatively leave it with someone you trust who can bring it to you.
1. Contact a locksmith
There's not much worse than locking your keys inside the car. It can ruin your day - especially in the event of an extremely hot or cold day and you have pets or children in the car. It could even be hazardous when you're locked out during bad weather, so it's essential to know what to do in the event that this happens to you.
Stay calm. Normal for your heart rate to increase and palms to sweat. It is important to evaluate the situation carefully before taking any action. You may be able to unlock your car's doors by using non-destructive and safe methods such as wedges made of shoestrings or inflatable ones. However, it's recommended to have a locksmith programmed into your phone, in case you fail or if you can't reach one immediately.
Some roadside assistance providers such as AAA provide assistance to members who lock their keys in the car. locked keys in car uk can contact them to ask for assistance however it could take a while for them to show up. In the meantime, try using shoestraps, a doorstop or a wire coat hanger to gain entry into your car. This method isn't 100% secure and you could end up damaging your vehicle.
You can also make use of your smartphone to look for local companies that provide assistance. It is important to keep in mind that some of these businesses might be scams. Be sure to do your look up reviews and research before you call a particular company. You could also ask your friends or family members for recommendations.
If you don't have a locksmith programmed into your phone, you could contact your garage. They might have the tools and experience to help you unlock your car without the need for an expert. To seek help, you'll need to provide proof that you own the vehicle (such as your driver's license or registration) and your current location. They'll then send a locksmith to your location and resolve your issue quickly and securely.
2. Contact for a Tow Truck
It's not an enjoyable experience to lock your keys inside your vehicle, but it can happen to everyone. Fortunately, there are ways to get back in your vehicle without contacting locksmiths or paying for roadside assistance. First, make sure to determine if your roadside assistance coverage includes key replacement. It's usually an optional coverage but it's worth a look to find out if you have this. Call them to get an tow truck.
If you do not have roadside help, stay calm and use your common sense. It's not advised to use methods that could cause damage to your vehicle, such as breaking your door. You could also ask a neighbor or passerby for assistance but only if you're in a safe area. Asking strangers for assistance in an area with a lot of traffic can be dangerous.
Another option is to contact your local police department. This isn't an immediate solution, however, since the majority of police officers are concerned with safety and life-threatening scenarios. If you're locked out of your vehicle at night, and it is not in a danger zone, they may respond immediately.
You could also call a locksmith to come and unlock your car. There's a small cost, but it's much less than paying for roadside help. If you're worried about the cost, think about getting a spare key for your vehicle. Keep it in your wallet, purse or a magnetic key box 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 will allow you to call them immediately in the event of an emergency. The number should be saved on your phone before you leave to ensure that you can contact them in an emergency.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
We've all done it - you come home from a long and tiring day and lock your keys to your car inside. It's a nightmare scenario but it's easily avoided with some planning.
Before calling roadside assistance, make sure there aren't any persons or pets in the car. If there are, they could be in danger of heat stroke or other medical emergencies.
You'll also need to check if your vehicle has an extra key. If it does, then you can use it to unlock the vehicle without paying for a locksmith. This will help you save money and time and is a good idea if you regularly lose your keys.
You can contact your insurer in case you don't have a spare or aren't able to find it. Most insurance companies provide some kind of roadside assistance coverage that will cover this situation. However it is only a possibility when your policy is paid up. If not, you will be required to pay for a locksmith or a tow truck.
Certain companies, like State Farm, will include locksmith services within their roadside assistance coverage. This is a great way to avoid the hassle and expense of losing your car keys, and it can be a great addition to any insurance policy for your vehicle.
Before you enter your vehicle, make sure to take a few minutes to look over the seat and trunk of it for any missing items. You can also purchase a keychain or lanyard to help you track your keys. You can also remain at ease if you have them on hand always in case you accidentally lock your keys in the car.
4. Contact Your Car Dealer
Locking your keys inside the vehicle is a common problem. However it doesn't need to be an urgent situation. If your car isn't in an active lane or has elderly, children, or pets in danger within of it, you can usually get back in without calling the police or a tow truck. Contact your local dealer to see if they are in a position to assist. They may have special tools to open your car without doing any damage.
You might be able to obtain a new key at the dealership if your vehicle is still covered under warranty. If this is the case, it is recommended to have a copy of your vehicle identification number, also known as a VIN, handy. The VIN is usually found on the documents for your vehicle or in your insurance documents. It's important to keep this information handy, as it can help the dealer identify your car and open the door quickly.
Ideally, you'll be prepared for this type of scenario by having an extra set of keys in your house or with a friend 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 need to contact your dealer, you must have the original. In the case that you have to call your dealership, they'll be capable of providing you with a quote for a replacement key. This will be more expensive than a locksmith, however it could be less hassle for you. It's also an excellent idea for drivers to keep a record of their vehicle's make, model and year in the event that they need to contact the dealership.