Keyless start cars (e.g. Volkswagen) have a way to start with a dead fob.

If you hold the dead fob against the little key symbol on the steering column it'll power the fob by induction and you'll be able to start the car.

You're right, older fobs that just do keyless entry may not be able to start the car though.

It will, as most car key fobs also have a RFID in them that the car can read close range (e.g inserted)

It may not start the car, but will it at least let you put the car in neutral?

The poster a couple levels up said people where paying full towing price to have cars moved 5m. If you can put the car in neutral you should be able to push it that far yourself.

Not all cars are automatic. You might need to get hold of a hand instead.

Huh ? It's even simpler to put a manual car in neutral without the key. You could even push start it.

The main problem would be having a locked driving wheel (common in France), which may make pushing it 5 meters away impractical/impossible without lifting the front wheels.

I will do my best never to make a joke on HN again.