Locked Keys in Car - How to Get Help
More than 4 million Americans have to deal with this issue every year. Even with the most modern technology, like smart keys, it's possible to prevent yourself from entering your vehicle.
There are many ways to get into your vehicle without damaging your vehicle. Keep calm and take note of your situation.
Contact a locksmith
If you lock your keys in the car, it could be a stressful experience. It is essential to remain calm and think of a method to get back inside. You could ask a family member to help you or contact a roadside service. However, it is best to call a locksmith to make sure you don't harm your vehicle.
There are a myriad of reasons for locking your keys inside your car. You might have omitted to move the key while sitting down for a phone conversation or put it in the ignition. Whatever the reason, it's best to call a locksmith as they have experience dealing with this issue and can open your car without damaging it.
A professional locksmith can also provide advice on how to prevent this issue from happening again. They can provide suggestions on how to keep your keys secure and a service that will allow you to use an emergency system for unlocking your car if the need ever arises.
Always keep a spare set for your car. This will allow you to easily access your car in case in an emergency, and is far more secure than trying to break a glass to get inside the car.
You should also ask your auto insurance provider whether they provide roadside assistance. This can be helpful if you are locked out of your vehicle. Some companies will include this service in their policies, while others may charge a fee for it.
Call a tow truck
Locking your keys in your car is among the most dangerous things you could do. It can be a frustrating and stressful experience, however you should remain calm and do everything you can to assist yourself.
It is important to first check that you have indeed locked your keys inside your car. It is not uncommon for keys to fall from a purse or pocket after you leave your vehicle. You might not be aware of it until you return into it later. In this instance, you should call a tow-truck.
Another option is to contact your local police department. This is not always the best option because a police officer is concerned with public safety, and a car lockout is not usually considered an emergency. It is possible to call an emergency number and explain the situation, but they are likely to suggest that you call roadside assistance or a locksmith.
One way to avoid getting locked out of your vehicle in the future is to keep a spare key in a place that you can quickly access. This can be a wallet or purse, or even an electronic key box that can be positioned on the underside of your car. You can leave a spare key with a family or friend member or sign up for an assistance program for roadside emergencies which provides protection for car locks.
If you discover yourself locked from your car, don't try to break into it using tools like a hammer or coat hanger. This could cause damage to your car and result in two emergency callouts.
Contact Roadside Assistance
A roadside assistance call is a good idea if you cannot get inside your vehicle, and you don't want to risk further damage. It may cost more than calling a locksmith in your area, but it's worth the extra money to get professional help you get in your vehicle.
A roadside service employee will be able to use a variety of tools to pop open the lock. If required, they'll also cut a new key for you. They can also refuel your car and offer other services, such as jumping-starting dead batteries. It's always an excellent idea to make sure you have a spare key kept in a secure location in your house or work. This way, you don't need to worry about being locked out in the future.
Certain car insurance companies provide roadside assistance as part of their policies. Find out in your policy out if it offers locks. If they do, they'll typically cover the costs of unlocking your car. They typically do not provide coverage for pets or children in the vehicle, as well as other services that require sophisticated tools, like the key fob.
If you don't have roadside assistance, you may call a locksmith or a towing company to help you remove your keys. You can also call your local police department to get help. It's important to keep in mind that 911 is designed to handle emergencies and police will only respond to your call when they feel that someone else's or your life is at risk.
Make a call to a friend
Locked out of your car could be a nightmare. Even the most careful drivers can be caught in this situation. It could be due simple inattention or a malfunctioning lock. The good news is that there are several solutions to help you out of this bind.
Many people keep spare keys in their home or with a trusted friend in case of emergency. This is a practical solution, but it is not foolproof. You may not remember where the spare key is, or it may be lost. It is best to avoid this issue altogether by storing an extra key somewhere that you or a third party can easily access. For instance, you could, hide the key inside an electronic box in your car. You can also put the key in the hands of your neighbor or a family member.
If you're an enrolled member of a service club or auto-insurance company, you might be able to avail the services they provide when you lock your keys inside your car. These service providers typically have a team of locksmiths who can assist you. They can even unlock your car without damaging the lock.
You can also call the authorities for help if you do not have an extra key. locked keys car may be able to get back inside your car by breaking a glass, or using a slim-jim for opening the doors. This is a good option to reserve for emergency situations. It's also expensive and risky, and the police are likely to consider your car an easy target for thieves. It's usually best to contact roadside assistance instead.
Contact the police
Everyone has been in this situation at some point. It's a hassle however, it's not a major issue, and you can get out of this mess quickly with a little planning. It's a good idea have an extra key, stash it in a hidden location (not the back of the seat or in the pocket of your coat) and leave a spare with someone you trust.
In certain instances, it's necessary to notify the authorities if you've locked your keys inside your car. This is especially true when you're in a danger zone such as in a crowded street or in a parking lot in the dark. In this case the police are likely to cut a window to help you get out. This can cost a lot of money, but it's usually worth it to ensure your security.
In most cases, it is better to contact an tow-truck or locksmith rather than the police. The police are financed by taxpayers, and should use their resources to fight crime, not helping out with personal issues. Many police departments also have a policy that prohibits officers from unlocking cars for free.
Check all doors before you leave your vehicle to avoid being locked out. 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 an extra key in your bag, and it's a good idea to have roadside assistance coverage through your insurance or AAA. You'll hopefully never need it but if you need it you'll be ready!