A Good Rant About I Lock My Keys In The Car
How Can I Get Back in My Car If I Lock My Keys in the Car?
If you're a car owner, you've probably locked your keys inside the car at least once. And it usually occurs at the most difficult times.
Keep a spare key in a place that is secure, such as in your purse or wallet. You can also leave an extra key with someone you trust and they will bring it to your home.
1. Call a Locksmith
There's not much worse than locking your keys in your car. It can ruin your day - especially in the event of an icy or hot day and you have children or pets in the car. It could even be hazardous if you're locked out in bad weather, so it's essential to know what to do in the event that this occurs to you.
First, remain calm. Your heart rate is likely to spike and your palms might become sweaty It's normal. It is important to evaluate the situation before you take any decision. You might be able to unlock your car's doors with non-destructive and secure methods, like shoestrings. It's a good idea however, to program a locksmith into your phone in the event that you don't succeed or can't find one in a hurry.
Some roadside assistance providers like AAA provide assistance to members who lock their keys in their car. You can contact them to solicit their assistance however it could take some time for them to arrive. In the meantime, try using shoestrings, a doorstop, or a coat hanger made of wire to get into your vehicle. This method is not foolproof and you could end up damaging your vehicle.
You can also type in "locksmith near me" on your smartphone to find local businesses that can help. But, it's important to be aware that certain companies may be scammers. Be sure to thoroughly look up reviews and research before you call a particular company. You can also ask your acquaintances or family members for recommendations.
If you don't have a locksmith programmed into your phone, you can also contact your garage. They might have the tools and know-how to help you unlock your car without the need of a professional. You'll probably need to show proof of ownership for the car, such as your driver's license or registration and your current location in order to help you. They can then send an expert locksmith to your address and resolve your issue quickly and securely.
2. Call a Tow Truck
It's not the most pleasant experience to lock your keys inside your car, but it's a fact that it can happen to everyone. There are a few ways to get into your car without having to pay for roadside service or calling locksmith. First, make sure to determine whether your roadside assistance coverage includes key replacement. It's usually an optional insurance however it's worth checking to see if you have this. If you do, call them and they'll send a tow truck to assist you out.
If you don't have assistance from a roadside service, remain calm and use your common sense. It's not recommended to employ methods that could harm your vehicle, such as prying your door open. You could also ask a neighbour or passers-by for assistance however only if you're in a secure area. If you're in an area that is crowded zone, it may be risky to ask strangers for help.
You can also contact your local police department. It's not an immediate solution however, since most police officers are concerned with safety and life-threatening situations. If you're locked out of your car at night and it is not in a danger zone the police may be able to respond immediately.
You can also contact a locksmith to unlock your car. You'll pay a small fee but it's less expensive than paying for roadside assistance. Consider getting a spare car key if you're concerned about the cost. Keep it in your purse, wallet or in a keybox that is magnetic under the front seat. If you don't have an extra, be sure you program the number of a roadside assistance company in your phone. This will allow you to call them quickly in the event of an emergency. This number should be saved on your phone prior to leaving so that you are confident that you can contact them in an urgent situation.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
We've all been there: at the end of a long day you get back in your vehicle and lock your keys inside. It's a nightmare but it's avoidable with a little planning.
Before calling roadside assistance, be sure that there aren't any passengers or pets in your car. If they are, they could be at risk of heat stroke or other medical emergency.
It is also important to know if the car has an extra key or not. If you have an extra key, you can use it without the expense of for a locksmith. This will save you time and money in the event that you lose keys often.
Contact your insurer in case you don't have a spare or aren't able to locate it. Most insurance companies offer roadside assistance that can help the cost in this case. However it is only an option if your policy has been paid for. If you don't you'll have to pay for the tow truck or locksmith.
car lockouts , like State Farm, will include locksmith services within their roadside assistance coverage. This is a great option to save yourself the hassle and expense of losing your car keys and it could be a great addition to any insurance policy for your vehicle.
Before you get into your car, be sure to take a few minutes to check the seat and trunk of it for any lost items. You can also purchase a lanyard or keychain for your keys to help you keep on top of them. Carrying them around at all times will help you remain calm in case you accidentally lock them in the car!
4. Call Your Car Dealer
Locking your keys in the vehicle is a frequent problem. However it doesn't have to be a crisis. You can usually return your keys to the car without contacting a tow-truck or the police unless you're stuck in a busy lane, or if you have pets or people inside that are in danger. Contact your local dealer to determine if they're able to help. They may have the right tools to open your car without damaging your vehicle.
You may be able to get a new key from the dealership if your vehicle is still under warranty. If this is the case, you must have a copy of your vehicle identification number, also known as a VIN, in your possession. It should be on the vehicle's documentation or in your insurance documents. It's important to keep this information handy because it will aid the dealer to identify your vehicle and open the door quickly.
You'll be more prepared if you've got a spare set of keys for your car in your home or with a close friend. It's also a good idea to keep the contact numbers of those people on speed dial in case you lock your keys in your car and require their assistance.
If you must contact your dealer, you must have a copy. If you need to contact the dealership, they'll give you a quote on a replacement key. It will cost more than a locksmith, however it could be less hassle for you. It's also an excellent idea for drivers to take note of their vehicle's model, make, model and year in case they need to contact the dealership.