Accidentally locking your keys inside your vehicle can be as embarrassing as it is frustrating, but it happens to the best of us. Luckily, there are several ways you can quickly retrieve your car keys without damaging your vehicle.
How To Get My Keys Out of My Locked Car
If you accidentally lock your keys in your vehicle, don’t panic. Here are tips on how you can retrieve your keys and regain access to your car:
Call Roadside Assistance
Most insurance companies cover various roadside assistance services, such as flat tires and lockout services. Depending on your insurer and policy, however, the coverage can vary. Some insurance companies only cover towing up to a certain distance, so you might have to pay extra if you’re stranded somewhere beyond the distance covered by your policy.
Call a Friend
If your spare key is at home, you can ask a family member or roommate to deliver it to you. You can also ask your friend to give you a ride to the nearest auto shop if there are no kids or pets in your car.
Contact Your Dealer
In most cases, you can typically request a replacement key or key fob for your vehicle from your local dealership. Programming a key fob usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes, while cutting a mechanical key takes less than an hour.
Unfortunately, a replacement key fob can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $50 to $400. It’s best to check your vehicle’s warranty, insurance policy, or auto club membership before ordering in case they cover key fob replacements.
Call a Car Locksmith
Auto locksmiths specialize in replacing lost keys, repairing faulty car locks, and unlocking vehicles. They’re equipped with the skills and tools necessary to unlock your car without damaging it.
Call a Towing Service
If you can’t find an available locksmith near you, you can always call for a towing service. The exact price can vary based on several factors, such as your vehicle type and location. In most cases, tow companies charge a minimum base fee of $50 for short-distance towing.
Should I Call the Police if I Locked My Keys in My Car?
You can call the police to help unlock your car if it’s an emergency where a child or pet is trapped inside. If you’re stranded at night or find yourself in an unsafe scenario, you can also try calling the police.
However, keep in mind that the police won’t always have the tools to unlock your vehicle, especially if it has an advanced key lock system. They’re more likely to break into your car than unlock it, especially if someone’s trapped inside.
How Much Does It Cost To Unlock a Car?
It’ll depend on who you call for help, but a locksmith will usually charge around $50 to $250, while a dealership will cost you anywhere from $50 to $400. Tow trucks can also be expensive if your insurance doesn’t cover their services.
How To Save Money on Car Lockout Services
We can never know when accidents will happen, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for them. With a CarParts Plus membership, you won’t have to panic the next time you accidentally lock your keys in your car.
CarParts+ offers members several benefits, including 24/7 roadside assistance that covers a 15-mile tow, battery boost, and lockout assistance. You can enjoy road trips without having to constantly worry about locking yourself out. We offer some of the best value on the market, so you can call for help without having to worry about the bill.
Aside from roadside assistance, you can also enjoy the other exclusive perks that CarParts+ offers, such as free shipping, extended returns, and VIP member support. Sign up for a CarParts Plus membership today for your peace of mind.
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
