So you've locked your keys inside your vehicle. Great. Now you've got to call someone to come help you get them out. But will this call be covered by your car insurance? And are there other ways that you can try to get them out yourself? Let's find out.
Will auto insurance cover locking my keys inside my vehicle?
It can if you have roadside assistance. Roadside assistance is one of those essential protections that can save the day in all sorts of unexpected situations. This type of auto insurance coverage is designed to help drivers with emergency roadside services, whether you’re stranded without gas or flat tires on a quiet country road or you've locked your keys inside your car. And because emergencies don’t stick to business hours, most roadside assistance services are available 24/7, ready to lend a hand whenever you need it.
Roadside assistance can be a real lifesaver when you accidentally lock your keys in the car. While it’s not usually part of a standard auto insurance policy, many insurers offer it as an add-on. Vehicle lockout is almost always included in roadside assistance, though the specific terms and coverage limits can differ from one provider to another. Fortunately, there are several roadside service providers in Canada, including:
- CAA
- Canadian Tire Roadside
- Various insurance companies
- Various credit card companies
- Various dealerships
- Most car manufacturers
Will insurance payout if keys are left in the car?
Yes. If you have comprehensive coverage on your car, you're typically covered if it's stolen—even if the keys were left inside. In the event of a theft, start by reporting it to your local police station, then reach out to your insurance company to get the process started.
Can someone unlock my car door for free?
They can if you have roadside assistance. Roadside assistance covers many roadside services, such as flat tires, car battery jumps, fuel delivery, and unlocking a locked vehicle. If you don't have roadside assistance and you need to call a towing company or locksmith, expect to pay their service fees.
What if I don't have roadside assistance?
If you don't have roadside assistance, you're likely out of luck in regards to your insurance covering any expenses incurred for calling a tow truck service or locksmith.
How much does it cost to unlock a car?
If you don’t have roadside assistance and end up locking your keys in the car, be prepared to pay up to a few hundred dollars for a locksmith. The cost can vary based on factors like the time of day, the make and model of your car, and how far the locksmith has to travel. Keep in mind, though, that extra fees could apply if you’ve lost your key entirely and the locksmith has to make a new one.
With roadside assistance, however, some or all of these costs could be covered. Many plans will cover the cost of unlocking your car, but they might not pay for a new key, key fob, or any keypad repairs if needed. It's best to talk to your roadside assistance provider to find out what is and isn't covered.
How much does a tow truck cost?
The cost of calling a tow truck will vary depending on several factors, including how far they have to tow your vehicle, the time of the breakdown, the size of your vehicle, the condition of your vehicle, and which services you require. If it’s not an urgent situation, take a moment to shop around and find a tow truck company that offers the best price.
When should I call roadside assistance to unlock my car?
If you've locked your keys in your car, and there's no immediate danger, like a child or pet locked in the car as well, then you should absolutely call roadside assistance. You’ll get help relatively quickly and with the least amount of risk to you and your vehicle. By attempting to get the keys out of your car yourself, you could run the risk of damaging your vehicle.
What else can roadside assistance help with?
Roadside assistance programs can vary from one provider to another, but most will cover you for a range of helpful services up to a certain number of service calls per year, including:
- Towing
- Battery boost
- Flat tire
- Unlocking your locked vehicle
- Winching and extrication (if you’re stuck)
- Fuel delivery if you run out of gas
- Trip interruption coverage
- Mechanical breakdown coverage
These services are designed to get you back on the road as smoothly as possible, no matter what bumps you encounter along the way.
What should I do if I lock my keys in my car?
If there's an emergency, like a child or pet locked in the car, your first step should always be to call 9-1-1 for help. For non-emergencies, though, take a deep breath, assess the situation, and try one of these methods to safely unlock your door and retrieve your keys.
Try opening each door
It might sound a bit silly, but try checking each car door, as well as the trunk or hatchback. There’s a chance one of them didn’t lock or wasn’t fully closed.
Call a friend or family member
Do you have a spare key at home? Many people do. If you do, and you’re not too far away, you could ask a family member, roommate, or friend to bring it to you.
Call roadside assistance
If you have a roadside assistance plan through your insurer or another provider, give them a call. You might have to wait a bit, but it’s worth it to have a professional unlock your car without causing any damage. Plus, the cost will be covered in full or mostly.
Call a towing company or locksmith
If you don’t have roadside assistance, you can call a local tow truck company or locksmith to help. Most towing companies will have the tools they need to get into your vehicle without causing damage. Or you can search for local locksmiths in your area—some handle car lockouts, while others might not, but it’s worth calling around to check. Just keep in mind you’ll need to pay either company for their help when they arrive.
Use a wedge
Try using two wood or plastic wedges—place one near the top corner of the door and the other by the front near the windshield. Gently create a gap between the door and the car’s frame, taking it slow to avoid any damage. Once there’s a small opening, you can slide a wire coat hanger or something similar through the gap to tap the unlock button.
If you happen to have access to a pump wedge or can borrow one, that’s another option. Slide the deflated wedge into the top part of the door, then inflate it just enough to create a gap (but be careful not to overinflate). Once you’ve got a bit of space, use a coat hanger or a slim tool to reach the unlock button. Be careful using either of these methods, as you can damage your car in the process.
What is car insurance liability?
Liability car insurance is required by law on any car insurance policy if you want to drive legally in Canada. If you’re at fault in an accident, this coverage helps with legal costs for damages caused to other drivers, pedestrians, or property up to the limit of your policy. Your car insurance policy’s liability section includes two types of coverage: bodily injury and property damage. Bodily injury covers costs if you injure someone in an at-fault accident. This can include their medical expenses and any lost wages. Property damage helps cover the cost of damage to someone else’s property in an accident—whether it’s their car, home, or other belongings.
Contact BrokerLink today
For more details on how roadside assistance coverage works, reach out to BrokerLink! We’re here to answer all your car insurance questions—from explaining what roadside assistance covers to how it can benefit you and where to find the best options. Plus, we can help you compare prices to make sure you’re getting a competitive rate.
At BrokerLink, we also offer free, no-obligation quotes, so there’s no pressure to buy anything after getting one. You’ve got nothing to lose! Just give us a call, visit one of our offices throughout Canada, or use our online quote tool for a quick and easy free auto insurance quote—it only takes about five minutes.
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