Many of us know the sinking feeling when you’ve walked away from your vehicle and realize that your keys are still inside — and the doors have locked behind you. It’s easy to panic when you realize your keys are locked inside your car, but trying to force your way in can cause costly damage. Take a moment to assess your options, and contact a trusted roadside assistance provider or locksmith if you need professional help.
Does Mercury Roadside Assistance Cover Car Lockouts?
Eligible Mercury Roadside Assistance customers can request a locksmith if your keys are stolen, lost, or you accidentally locked them inside your vehicle. Once you call, a qualified service professional will head to your vehicle to help you safely access your car and your keys. You’ll just be responsible for the cost of replacement keys.
What Not to Do When You’re Locked Out of Your Car
With all the technology in newer vehicles, it’s not a good idea to break a window or try a DIY method you found online. In addition to creating safety risks for you or others, windows and doors in your vehicles often have integrated sensors and advanced locking systems. Trying to break in by yourself may cause more damage to your vehicle, making the lockout more expensive to resolve.
How to Avoid Locking Your Keys in Your Car Again
Preventing locked keys in your car all comes down to prevention strategies.
- Get into the routine of checking for your keys before closing the door.
- Consider keeping a spare key in a secure, accessible place, such as with a trusted friend or in a magnetic lockbox designed for vehicles.
- Enable remote access through a mobile app, if available to you, so you have a backup way to unlock your doors if needed.
- Keep roadside assistance contact information saved in your phone and in your emergency kit.
- Make sure you understand what your roadside assistance covers.
A few simple habits can help prevent another lockout, while roadside assistance can provide support if one happens. Explore Mercury car insurance and available roadside assistance coverage, then contact us today for a fast, free quote!
How to Get Keys Out of Locked Car
Here’s how to get keys out of a locked car and what to do — and not do — should you find yourself in this situation.
Step 1: Check for Another Safe Way Into Your Car
Your first step after that momentary panic of being locked out of the car should be to look for other safe ways to gain entry. It could be through the back door your child exited that didn’t automatically lock. Or maybe you have an accessible spare key at the bottom of your purse or backpack. Perhaps the trunk door or hatch didn’t lock in the process, and you can crawl through and retrieve your key.
Step 2: See If Your Vehicle Has Remote Unlock Features
Many newer vehicles come equipped with connected technology that allows you to lock and unlock your car remotely using a mobile app or key fob feature. If your vehicle supports this, you may be able to regain access by logging into the manufacturer’s app or using a backup remote, even if your keys are locked inside.
Just keep in mind that some of these features require a subscription or prior activation, so make sure you know which options are available for your vehicle before getting locked out.
Step 3: Use a Spare Key If One Is Available
Have a friend or family member nearby? If possible, and assuming you have your phone after getting locked out of the car, ask them to bring you that spare key you have hanging inside your home.
Step 4: Call Roadside Assistance or a Locksmith
If you’re unable to unlock your vehicle using spare keys or remote features, calling roadside assistance or a professional locksmith is often the safest and most reliable option. Trained technicians have the proper tools to unlock your car without damaging the lock, window, or door.
FAQs
How much does it cost to unlock a car?
The cost to unlock a car will depend on factors like your location, the time of day, and the type of vehicle. Your roadside assistance plan or insurance policy may reduce or fully cover the fee, while out-of-pocket locksmith services can cost more in emergency situations.
Can you unlock a car with a dead key fob?
Yes, many vehicles have a backup option such as a hidden physical key inside the fob or a manual key slot in the door. If the fob battery is dead, using this backup method or replacing the battery is usually enough to regain access.
What information will a locksmith need before unlocking your car?
A locksmith will typically ask for proof of ownership, like your driver’s license and vehicle registration, before unlocking the car. They may also request details about the vehicle's make, model, and location to ensure safe and proper service.
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