Can I Use Towing Assistance for a Vehicle Lockout?

I’ve had my fair share of frustrating car problems, but one of the worst situations I’ve found myself in was locking my keys inside my car. It was a hectic morning, and as I rushed to get into my car, I slammed the door shut, only to realize a moment later that my keys were still sitting on the passenger seat. I was stranded in a parking lot with no way to get in. In that moment, I wasn’t sure what my options were. Could I use my towing assistance for a vehicle lockout? After some quick research and a phone call to my roadside assistance service, I discovered that yes, towing assistance can often cover a vehicle lockout situation. However, there are specific details you need to know about when and how this service can help. In this article, I will explain the process of using towing assistance for a vehicle lockout, share my experience, and highlight the benefits and limitations of this service.

1. What Is Towing Assistance for a Vehicle Lockout?

The first thing I learned when I called my towing service was that towing assistance doesn’t just cover situations where your car needs to be towed after an accident or breakdown. Many roadside assistance programs also include services for non-emergency situations, such as unlocking a vehicle when you’ve accidentally locked yourself out.

1.1. How It Works

Towing assistance for lockouts typically involves dispatching a technician to your location who can help you unlock your vehicle. In my case, the technician arrived with the necessary tools to unlock my car without causing any damage. Instead of having to call a locksmith, I was able to get back into my car quickly and without paying for expensive locksmith fees. Roadside assistance for vehicle lockouts can often be covered under your basic roadside assistance package, or as an add-on service to your car insurance. When you call for help, the dispatcher will likely ask for some details, such as your car’s make and model, and whether you’re locked out of the car with the keys inside or if there’s a different issue.

1.2. Available Services

Depending on the roadside assistance company you use, the services provided can vary slightly. Most services will send a technician to unlock the car, but others might also be able to assist with broken keys, faulty locks, or other lock-related issues. I learned that the technician can often help open the car without needing to break any glass, and many times, the service is covered under your standard roadside assistance plan.

2. When Can Towing Assistance Help With a Lockout?

While it was a relief to learn that towing assistance could help me with my lockout, I also found that there are specific situations where roadside assistance is more likely to assist you and where they might not. Below, I’ve outlined a few scenarios to help you understand when towing assistance is likely to be a good option for a vehicle lockout.

2.1. Standard Lockouts

If you’ve locked yourself out of your car with the keys still inside, chances are your roadside assistance will cover the situation. This is the most common reason for using a lockout service. I was fortunate that my roadside assistance provider covered this, and the technician was able to open the door without any issues. Most standard roadside assistance plans include this service, but it’s always a good idea to confirm before an emergency occurs.

2.2. Broken Key or Malfunctioning Lock

In some cases, roadside assistance services might cover more than just standard lockouts. For instance, if your car key is broken or if the lock mechanism malfunctions, your roadside assistance might be able to help. When I spoke with the technician, I learned that they often have specialized tools to deal with broken keys, or they might be able to take a more advanced approach, such as using a bypass method for the car’s lock system. However, if the issue involves major damage to the locks, or if it requires a more complex repair, the technician may not be able to help, and you may need to call in a locksmith.

2.3. When Towing Assistance Might Not Cover Lockouts

While roadside assistance for lockouts is incredibly helpful, there are situations where it might not be covered. In my case, I was lucky enough to have my lockout issue resolved quickly, but some scenarios may not be covered, depending on your service plan or the specific circumstances. For example, if you’ve lost your keys and there’s no spare available, towing assistance might not be able to help with that, as it typically falls outside of what’s covered in the basic plan. Additionally, some service providers may not cover instances where the lockout is related to a car’s electrical system or a more severe malfunction that requires parts replacement. Always read the terms and conditions of your roadside assistance plan so you know what’s included and excluded.

3. How Much Does It Cost to Use Towing Assistance for a Lockout?

One of the first things I wanted to know when I found out about towing assistance for vehicle lockouts was how much it would cost. In most cases, the cost of lockout assistance is either included in your roadside assistance plan or can be added as an optional feature. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it’s often an affordable service.

3.1. Roadside Assistance Packages

Many car insurance providers and auto clubs offer roadside assistance as part of their basic package, which usually includes lockout services. For a small annual fee or as part of your car insurance premium, you can have access to a variety of services, including flat tire changes, jump starts, and, of course, vehicle lockout assistance. In my case, I found that my roadside assistance was already included in my auto insurance package, so the cost of unlocking my car was covered with no extra charges.

3.2. Pay-Per-Use Services

If you don’t have a roadside assistance plan, some companies offer pay-per-use lockout services. These can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on the provider and the complexity of the lockout. I’ve heard that some people prefer pay-per-use because they don’t want to commit to a yearly subscription, but I personally found that paying a small fee annually for the peace of mind and convenience of roadside assistance was a better option.

3.3. Costs for Additional Services

While basic lockout assistance is usually covered, there might be additional costs for certain services. For instance, if the technician needs to replace a broken lock or handle more complex repairs, there could be additional charges. When I used my roadside assistance, I found that no extra costs were involved because it was a simple lockout, but if the problem had been more complicated, it could have involved extra fees.

4. Preventing Vehicle Lockouts in the Future

While I was relieved to get my car unlocked quickly with the help of my roadside assistance service, I knew I needed to take steps to avoid a lockout from happening again. After all, nobody wants to be stuck in the same situation twice. Here are some things I’ve done to prevent future lockouts:

4.1. Keep a Spare Key

One of the simplest solutions to a vehicle lockout is keeping a spare key with you. I learned this lesson the hard way after my first lockout. I now have a spare key hidden in a secure spot, so if I ever lock myself out again, I can easily retrieve it without waiting for help.

4.2. Use Keyless Entry Systems

Another option I started using was a keyless entry system, which allows me to unlock my car without needing a physical key. These systems can be more convenient and help prevent accidental lockouts, especially for those who tend to leave their keys inside the car.

4.3. Be Mindful of Key Placement

I also made a conscious effort to be more mindful of where I place my keys. I make sure that they’re always with me when I get out of the car, which has significantly reduced the chances of locking myself out.

5. Conclusion

Experiencing a vehicle lockout can be frustrating and inconvenient, but knowing that towing assistance services can help you get back on the road quickly is a relief. From simple unlocks to more complex lock repairs, roadside assistance provides a fast and efficient solution to these common car problems. If you haven’t yet signed up for roadside assistance, I highly recommend considering it. Not only does it cover lockouts, but it can also help with other issues like flat tires, dead batteries, and even towing services. With the right plan, you can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a call away, whether you’re dealing with a lockout or any other unexpected car problem.