Forgetting your keys in your car can be a frustrating and stressful situation, especially if it happens at an inconvenient time or place. However, it's a common problem that can happen to anyone.
It's so common that CAA Saskatchewan helped almost 10,000 people in the province who locked themselves out of their vehicles in 2022.
So, if you do find yourself in such a situation, the good news is that there are several ways to help yourself get out of it, including some that don't require the assistance of a locksmith.
Here are 5 ways to get your keys out of a locked car.
Before the panic starts to set in and you start taking drastic steps, the first and foremost thing you should do is check all doors and windows to make sure that they are all truly locked.
Sometimes, one of the doors may not have closed properly, or a window may be slightly open, allowing you to reach in and unlock the door from the inside.
Even the trunk and sunroof are great places to check. However, make sure that you don’t force anything open as that could lead to damage and costly repairs in the process.
At first, this seems to be an obvious solution, right? But you’ll be surprised to learn how this might not be the first thing people think of when they lock their keys inside.
Spare keys are a great backup plan and can save you a lot of time and money if you ever find yourself locked out of your car.
If you don't have a spare key, it's a good idea to get one made as soon as possible. You can take your car's VIN to a dealership or locksmith, and they can make you a new key.
If none of the above methods work, it might be time to call a locksmith.
Locksmiths are trained professionals who have the tools and expertise to unlock your car quickly and efficiently. They can also make you a new key on the spot if needed.
Before you call a locksmith, be sure to check their credentials and reputation. You should also ask for an estimate of the cost before you agree to the service.
In Saskatchewan, it costs about $60 to get a car unlocked if you’re somewhere inside the city limits.
If, however, you’re a CAA member, you can save that money by calling in for roadside assistance.
You can do so conveniently either online or through the CAA mobile app, and one of our trusted service technicians will be on their way to help you get back behind the wheel.
And in extreme cases where it might not be possible to unlock your car, you can also make use of the towing service in accordance with the terms of your membership plan.
And finally, if you don't have a spare key, roadside assistance, access to a locksmith, or any tool/equipment to help unlock your car, your best option is to call a friend or family member for help.
You could consider leaving a spare key with them so that in case you get stuck on the road somewhere someone can come and bail you out. If not a spare key, they may be able to bring you a tool or equipment to use to unlock your car.
Another benefit of a CAA membership is that it covers the person and not the vehicle.
So, if a friend or family member of yours is a CAA member, they can always come to you and use their membership to help you unlock your car.