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10 tips on how to deal with locking your keys in the car

locked keys inside a vehicle
locked key inside vehicle

Getting locked out of your car is a real pain. Especially as it nearly always happens when you’re in a rush. Whether it’s because you've locked your keys in the vehicle, lost your keys or damaged them, we help thousands of Members get back into their cars every year. 

10 tips on how to get into a locked car

  1. Stay calm – the world won’t stop turning if you’re late. If you’re running behind for an appointment, call ahead and advise of your situation.
  2. Do a quick lap around the car. You may find a window down or a door, including the boot, unlocked.
  1. Consult your owner’s manual. Some cars include a metal key hidden in a keyless remote. Most car owner manuals can be found online if yours is locked in the car.
  2. Consider your situation. Is it an emergency or can you use alternate transport and worry about the car later?
  3. If the car belongs to you and you are a member of the NRMA, give us a call. Roadside assistance covers all members for key lock-ins.
  4. In the event that the patrol is unable to provide a solution, if Members have the Keys Plus add on, we provide up to $500 (per subscription year) towards the cost of the vehicle dealer fixing the problem. Each call is case managed by an NRMA consultant. They will organise a locksmith to attend your vehicle and get you on the road again.
  5. If a child or pet is locked in the car, your request will immediately be prioritised whether you are a Member or not. In this case, call 13 11 11 immediately.
  6. If you don’t have roadside assistance your options include calling us and signing up on the spot, call a patrol or try to open the door yourself. However, in the case of the latter, unless your car is fairly old, a shoelace, packaging tape or coat hanger won’t be of much use.
  7. If you’ve lost your car key, get another made as soon as possible. If you lose all your keys, replacements can be very costly.
  8. To avoid locking your car keys in future, keep a spare key in your bag, home or work or other convenient location or give a spare key to a friend or family member.

We hope you found this article useful. Please browse through our other resources pages to find more tips and advice.

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