This could be embarrassing, but it happens even to many drivers and car owners. You’re in a rush, distracted by something, or maybe just not paying attention, and suddenly you shut your car only to later realize that you forgot to remove your car key from the ignition.
It’s at that point you notice that your car is locked and you don’t have the keys. You’re locked out. So, what should you do next if you’ve locked your keys in your car? Besides not spending the whole time panicking.
I Lock My Keys Inside My Car, What Do I Do Next?
First things first, do you have a spare key? Do you know where it’s located? If you do, then that’s easy. Simply grab your spare key, unlock your car, and all is well. But how about those who don’t have a spare car key? Is that the end of your vehicle?
If you fall into this category, here are some options to quickly consider:
Do you have roadside insurance assistance coverage? Experts recommend checking in with your car insurance provider, or even the dealership where you purchased your car (you’ll be surprised at how helpful they could be–for an extra fee). Plenty of insurance companies in Nigeria include roadside assistance in their coverage programs.
If you have insurance coverage for roadside assistance, your insurance company should be your next resort. If not, try the dealership where you purchased your vehicle. If that’s still not an option for you, try a professional mechanic, they’ll provide you with an option. If not, your next stop should be the locksmith.
How to Get Keys out of a Locked Car
In advanced countries, there are much wider options. But, that does not readily apply to someone who lives in Nigeria. The situation is entirely up to you to deal with, especially if your vehicle is an old model version without a smart key entry option.
Instead of relentlessly panicking over spilt milk, try the above-listed options. When all of them seem to fail you or not work for you, rest assured that your next best option is the locksmith’s shop. Locksmiths have saved the situation for many car owners who have mistakenly abandoned their keys inside their vehicles.
The process might cost you some money, but rest assured that a locksmith with provide you with a lasting situation if you don’t have a spare key, a car insurance roadside coverage, or even if your vehicle is an old model without the smart key entry option.
How Do I Avoid Locking My Keys in My Car?
It’s good to have a game plan if you want to avoid locking your keys in your car. First, if you have a spare key, remember where it is at all times. And if you have a newer vehicle, consider whether a lockout app or smart key entry is available.
You should also weigh the benefits of having some sort of roadside assistance coverage, whether that’s through your insurance provider or your car dealership. After all, getting locked out of your car can be frustrating. So why not try to avoid the situation altogether?
Conclusion
Locking our car key inside your car might seem like a trivial situation until it happens. The best and easiest way to avoid being in such a situation is to always have a spare car key. It saves you the stress of worrying about any other secondary option. But, how about used cars that only come with one key? Quickly duplicate the key so that you will always have a spare to fall back to. Note that your spare key shouldn’t be anywhere near your car.
