Picture this: You’re standing in a parking lot, shopping bags in hand, staring through your car window at your keys sitting smugly on the driver’s seat. Talk about a frustrating moment, right?
Whether you’ve done this once or are worried about doing it someday, getting locked out of your car happens to almost everyone at some point.
Don’t panic. This guide will walk you through exactly what it’ll cost to get back into your car, whether you’re trying to save money or need a quick solution right now.
DIY Methods: Cheap Tricks That Might Just Work (But Be Careful)
Let’s discuss those frantic times when you’re locked out and coming up with not-so-brilliant ideas to get back in. The internet is replete with DIY lockout hacks, but here’s the unvarnished truth-you’re more likely to end up with a busted lock or a broken window than breach the system with any of these “foolproof” methods.
And even our best old-school tips, like using a coat hanger or a slim jim, are better suited to making us nostalgic for the 1970s than for getting into modern vehicles without damaging them.
Something that many individuals don’t grasp is this: the locking systems on modern vehicles are incredibly sophisticated. They are much more advanced than the systems in the cars of our fathers, let alone those of the earlier parts of the 20th century.
What worked on any of those old cars (think: the 1970s or 1980s) will now most likely just injure your hands and the paint on your car, maybe even the locking mechanism. “Breaking in” with these methods is not only illegal; it is also inadventurously stupid.
Calling in the Professionals: What to Expect Price-Wise
Since you’ve lost access to your automobile, what can this mean for you? Your best bet is typically to call a professional locksmith. A local locksmith will usually charge somewhere between $50 and $150 for a standard service call to get you back inside your locked vehicle.
Pricing structures may vary somewhat among nationwide service providers. The costs for the actual services provided can range from $50 to $100. Roadside assistance is a service offered through some membership plans at no additional cost. If you are a frequent traveler or have a vehicle that is more likely to break down, a membership plan that includes this service can be well worth the cost.
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Insurance and Roadside Assistance: Your Potential Money-Saver
An often-overlooked opportunity to save money is at your existing insurance or membership programs. Many of them cover lockout services. Auto insurance policies, for example, frequently include roadside assistance.
So do the benefits associated with some credit cards and even a few cell phone plans. Before you go reaching for your checkbook or credit card, take a deep breath and check what you might already have.
To verify coverage, take these simple steps:
- Look through your insurance policy documents.
- Contact your insurance provider’s customer service.
- Investigate the benefits of your credit card.
- Scrutinize any membership programs you belong to.
Quick Price Breakdown: What You’ll Likely Spend
Here is a clear outline of the possible expenses:
- Do-it-yourself tactics: $0-$20 (but they carry a hefty risk of causing damage that could prove very costly)
- Locksmith: $50-$150
- Car dealership: $100-$250
- Roadside assistance service: Typically no extra charge if you’re a plan member
Prevention is Cheaper Than a Lockout
Being locked out of your car is an unspeakable frustration. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to avoid this in the future. One is to always have a spare key on your person or in a secure place easily accessible to you.
That could mean keeping a spare in a magnetic key holder in an inconspicuous place on your vehicle. Another is to use your smartphone as a backup key. For newer models and makes of cars, this is an increasingly viable option.
Cultivate a few good habits: always do a quick “key check” before shutting your car door, and think about getting a device to track your keys. A bit of preemptive action can save you from some really annoying and maybe even costly lockout situations. If you need professional help, check out our location on Google Maps for quick assistance.
Conclusion
Getting locked out isn’t the end of the world. While it might cost you anywhere from nothing to $250, knowing your options can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. The key (pun totally intended) is staying calm and making a smart choice.
Pro Tips to Remember: Always have a backup plan. Check your insurance or membership benefits. Consider keeping a spare key with a trusted friend or in a magnetic lock box. Final Thought: Your car door doesn’t have to be a wallet-draining emergency. With the right information, you can handle this like a pro.
