Locked my keys in the car today....

[nrb62]

Dont ever do this!! I locked both sets of keys in my VRs this afternoon at a shopping centre. Rang Skoda Assist who had someone out in an hour, however he had never tried to open a Skoda. Managed to hook the spare set which was in the console (other set was on the floor in the wagon area) but dropped them between the seat and the console! He gave up after that and made a phone call then said someone else would be out (again within an hour) to "pick the lock". An hour later said fellow turned up, took one look at the car and said no way can I pick this lock. Said I had 2 options. 1. tow to the nearest dealer at a cost of $235, where they would source another key, or 2. break a window.
To cut a long story short, after arguing with Skoda assist re thier non help, the rear quarter window was broken and I was able to hook the keys. I now have to get a new window, but will be asking a few questions at Skoda as to why I should have to pay if their assist people couldn't open my door!

[woofy]

I'm sorry but I had a really good laugh at this. From the day I discovered that if just the boot is opened on the hatch and nothing else then it locks, i have been really careful, but there is always the spare set.

I have NFI why you would keep the spare set in the console, if it was left in a partners bag in their by accident I could understand that. But to keep them in there all the time is asking for a car to be stolen.

And now for the main bit, Skoda assist, or RACQ or whoever are under no obligation whatsoever to get keys out, break into cars etc, the fact that they tried a few ways surprised me. Some assistance people will help you locate the spare set, but as they were in the car, they could well have said you are on your own. Also as far as I know, if you lose both sets of keys you are really stuffed.

I can imagine you had a crap day, but I wouldn't bother talking to Skoda about their assistance, take the lesson learned, and be careful with the rear hatch

[Umai Naa!!]

You should've broken the door glass. They're only $90 or so, and much easier to replace.

And yes, you should pay for it. You locked all of your keys in your car, not Skoda.

[K1W1]

A spare key secured (with the emphasis on secured) somewhere under the car can be a helpful thing for emergencies.

I also believe that the Skoda assist is there for mechanical breakdown assistance not for user caused problems.

[WABIT]

i would have tried to wedge a wire in there and try to hit the unlock button

dom

[Spook]

nrb62: Not getting much sympathy here are you? Tough crowd... but seriously I don't understand why you think Skoda has to pay for the window when it was not a vehicle fault.

I also believe that the Skoda assist is there for mechanical breakdown assistance not for user caused problems.

Not quite true. They also assist with emergency fuel, accidents and general roadside assistance.

Anyway I had a look at their online brochure

Emergency Vehicle Access
If your vehicle’s keys have been lost or locked in your vehicle, we will provide all reasonable assistance (subject to proof of ownership being shown) to:
(a) Locate and deliver a spare key;
(b) Arrange for you to retrieve the spare key if this is more practical.

If an emergency situation arises and it is necessary to gain access to your vehicle, we will attempt to gain access only after we have obtained your consent. We will not be responsible for any damage incurred, or for any repair costs, resulting from gaining access to your vehicle or moving your vehicle whilst it is locked.

In all other situations where the key is not available, we will arrange to transport your vehicle to a Škoda Dealer, where the appropriate entry methods may be used.

A limit of $150.00 (inc GST) will apply for this benefit.

[Jake02]

i would have tried to wedge a wire in there and try to hit the unlock button

dom

Lol perfect solution!

[Antiplastix]

I took my keys to the local locksmith to get a blade cut to wear around my neck when surfing, he read the code and wrote down a number. He has given that no. to me and if I ever lose the keys he can cut a new one from that no.

[woofy]

That number is handed to you when you buy the car, its in the little plastic tag thing. I suspect Skoda keep it on record as well. How do you use your key to start the car without the immobiliser, alarm etc going off...or do you keep the real one inside somewhere?

[The_Hawk]

I have three spares sans immobiliser chip for my car after getting a set of switch blades for the Mk3 Golf. Every now and again I think about attaching it up under the car somewhere for emergencies, but since the Mk3 isn't exactly high tech it's near immpossible to lock your keys in the car since it doesn't auto lock

Having a spare (non immobiliser) key for swimming/fishing etc etc isn't a bad idea at all

[gregozedobe]

And another FYI - a new key(remote) is around $500 (and take weeks to get in) and also need coding to the car. If you don't have any keys you aren't driving your car full stop (unless you want to buy a new dash and locks and keys set (ultra $$$$).

VAG cars have pretty good security these days, but it does make life difficult for the owner if he manages to lock his keys in the car.

The moral of the story is: TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF YOUR KEYS !

[Antiplastix]

That number is handed to you when you buy the car, its in the little plastic tag thing. I suspect Skoda keep it on record as well. How do you use your key to start the car without the immobiliser, alarm etc going off...or do you keep the real one inside somewhere?

Geez ..... I hope there are no criminals lurking around here, but that is the idea. Lock the immobiliser key in the car whilst out surfing and use the blade to open it. Safer than hiding the keys somewhere.

[K1W1]

You could leave the key lying on the dash. Unless it had "iPod" or "GPS" written on it nobody will touch it.

[nrb62]

Well I'm glad I provided some of you with a laugh. I can assure you at the time it was not even remotely funny. After reading the above posts, it would seem that I made the right decision. If I had it towed home or to a dealer, it would've sat for weeks whilst waiting for a new remote, and as my wife uses it daily, that would not have gone down well. To say that she wasn't impressed anyway is a major understatement!
To answer a few comments, We tried to push the central locking on the console, but couldn't get enough pressure on the wire, and breaking a larger window would probably have been cheaper, but from a security and weather protection point of view, was not an option. As it is, I'm still waiting for a price and availibility of the glass that was broken.
It was actually not a nice experience watching the glass being broken, however, the bystanders thought it was very amusing...

[G-rig]

just wondering how you could lock both sets in, and dont you press the remote lock button after you exit the car??

Sorry to hear, still sounds like a stuff around.

If an emergency situation arises and it is necessary to gain access to your vehicle, we will attempt to gain access only after we have obtained your consent. We will not be responsible for any damage incurred, or for any repair costs, resulting from gaining access to your vehicle or moving your vehicle whilst it is locked.

In all other situations where the key is not available, we will arrange to transport your vehicle to a Škoda Dealer, where the appropriate entry methods may be used.

A limit of $150.00 (inc GST) will apply for this benefit.

That sounds fair, you'd need to pay a locksmith to come out if you locked you keys in the house!