Locked Keys in Car - How to Get Help
More than 4 million Americans face this nightmare every year. Even with the latest technology, like smart keys, it is possible to get locked out of your vehicle.
There are plenty of ways to get back into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep calm and take note of the situation.
Contact an expert locksmith
It can be stressful if you lock your car keys inside. It is important to remain calm and find an alternative to get back in. You could ask a friend to help you or call roadside service. However, it is best to contact a locksmith in order to ensure that you don't damage your vehicle.
There are vehicle lock out of reasons why you may lock your keys in the car. You could have misplaced the key while sitting down for a phone conversation or even left it in the ignition. Whatever the reason, it's best to call locksmiths as they have experience with this kind of issue and can open your vehicle without causing damage.
A professional locksmith will be able to give you advice about how to prevent the same issue from happening again. They can give you tips on how to secure your keys and offer an option to unlock your vehicle in the event of an emergency situation if needed.
Always keep a spare set for your car. It will be much easier to gain access to your vehicle if you have to in an emergency.
You should also inquire with your insurance company if they offer roadside assistance. This could be extremely useful if you're locked out of your car. Some companies will include this service in their policies, while others might charge for it.
Contact a Tow truck
Locking your keys inside your vehicle is among the worst things you can do. It can be a stressful and frustrating situation, but it's essential to remain calm and remember that there are some actions you can take to assist yourself.
First, it is crucial to ensure that you really have locked your keys inside the car. You might not realize that your keys have fallen out of your purse or pocket until you get back to the vehicle. If this happens, you should call a tow truck.
Another option is to call the local police department. However, this isn't always the best option since the main concern of police officers is safety for the public and your car lockout may not typically be considered an emergency. You can call an emergency number but discuss the situation. However they'll likely suggest that you call roadside assistance or locksmith.
A great way to avoid being locked out of your car in the near future is to keep a spare key in a place that you can quickly access. It could be in a wallet, purse, or magnetic key box put under your vehicle. You can also leave an extra key with someone in your family or with a friend, or enroll in roadside assistance programs which provide protection for your car lockout.
If you are locked out, do not attempt to open your car with tools such as an hammer and coat hanger. This could cause damage to your vehicle and cost you two emergency callouts.
Call Roadside Assistance
If you are unable to get back into your vehicle and you don't want to risk further damaging your vehicle call roadside assistance an excellent option. It may cost a bit more than calling a locksmith, but the assurance that a professional will help you get back in your car is well worth it.
A roadside service representative will likely be able to use various tools to open an lock or crack it open. They can also make you the lock key again if necessary. They can also refill your vehicle and provide other services such as jump-starting dead batteries. It's always recommended to ensure you have an extra key in a safe place at home or at work. You won't have to be concerned about being locked out again.
Some car insurance companies provide roadside assistance as part of their policies. Find out in your policy out if it offers lockout service. If so then they'll usually pay for the entire cost of unlocking your vehicle. They'll usually exclude coverage for children or pets in the car, and other services that require more sophisticated tools such as replacing a key fob.
If you do not have roadside assistance, contact a locksmith or towing service to help get your keys out. You can also call the local police department to get help. It is important to keep in mind that 911 is only for emergencies. The police will only prioritize your call if you or someone else is in danger.
Call a friend
It can be extremely frustrating to be locked out of your vehicle. Even the most cautious drivers could find themselves in a similar situation. It can be due to simple inattention or an issue with the lock. There are several ways to get out of this situation.
Many people keep a spare key in their home or with a trusted family member in case of this problem. It's a great option, but it's not foolproof. You could lose it or forget where you put it. It is best to avoid this problem completely by having an extra key stored somewhere that you or a third party can easily access. You can hide the key in a magnetic box on the underside of your car, for instance. Another great option is to leave the key with a friend or family member who lives in your neighborhood.
If you're an active member of a service club or an auto-insurance company, you may have the opportunity to utilize the services they offer when you lock your keys in your car. These companies typically have a team of locksmiths who are able to assist you. These professionals can sometimes unlock your vehicle without damaging the lock.
If you don't have a spare key, you could contact the police. You may be able to get back into your vehicle by breaking a glass, or using a slim-jim to open the doors. This option is best reserved in case of emergency. It's also expensive and dangerous, and the police could consider your vehicle as an opportunity for thieves. It's best to call roadside assistance instead.
Call the police
Everyone has been in this predicament at some moment in time. It's not pleasant but it's not a big deal and you can get out of this mess quickly with a little planning. It's a good idea to have an extra key, keep it in a safe place (not the back of your seat or in a coat pocket) and leave it with a trusted person.
In certain situations it's imperative to contact the police if you have locked your keys inside your car. This is especially true when you're in a hazardous area such as a crowded road or an unfamiliar parking lot at night. In such a situation the police could break a window to allow you to escape. It can be expensive however it is worth it to ensure your security.
The majority of the time, it is better to contact the tow-truck or locksmith instead of the police. The police are funded by taxpayers, and they should use their resources to tackle criminals, not assisting with personal issues. Additionally, the majority of police departments have a policy that states officers cannot unlock cars for free.
The best way to avoid being locked out of your vehicle is to make sure you make sure you check every door before you exit the vehicle. It's easy to get distracted or forget your keys in a hurry, so make sure you double-check your keys before heading out. It is also advisable to keep a spare key, and it's a good idea to have roadside assistance coverage through your insurance company or AAA. You'll probably never require it, but if you do you'll be prepared!