Millions of people get locked out of their cars every year. Whether it’s because they forgot to take their keys with them or they’re simply unable to open the car door, getting locked out of your vehicle can be very frustrating.
In the best-case scenario, a friend or family member will have a spare key and can help you unlock your car. They might even bring tools like a doorstop or a wire coat hanger that you can straighten out to help you open the door manually.
Call Your Insurance Company
If you are in a car lockout emergency situation, it is important to know that help is available. Whether you are calling your automaker’s roadside assistance or a third-party service, you should be able to have someone on their way in about an hour or so, and they will often allow you to wait in a safe place until the technician arrives. Many automakers also offer their own remote lockout services, such as GM’s OnStar, Mercedes-Benz’s mbrace, Hyundai Blue Link, and Tesla customer service (you will need your owner account number).
If you have a family member or friend with whom you regularly share keys, they may be able to retrieve the spare key and let you in. This is the best option in most situations, but even if they don’t have the keys, they can bring tools like a door-snap or wire coat hanger to help you get into your car without breaking the window. You should always try to keep a spare key or fob with you, and leaving one in your home or at work can also be a good option.
It is possible to use roadside assistance coverage to pay for a locksmith to unlock your vehicle, and many insurance companies include this as part of their collision or comprehensive policies. You can find out if your car insurance company covers these charges by talking with an agent or reviewing the policy documents online. Some of these policies may require you to pay upfront and then seek reimbursement from the insurer later, and this is something you should definitely take the time to research before making a decision.
If you don’t have access to a car locksmith, you can still call for emergency services, and they will be able to break the window if needed. You should also remember that if a child or pet is trapped in the vehicle, this is considered an emergency and may require immediate attention, including breaking the windows. It is important to stay calm, and a reputable locksmith will be able to unlock the vehicle quickly and without causing damage.
Call Your Friends and Family
It’s no secret that getting locked out of your car can be a major headache. Whether it’s the result of a busy day or an oversight, millions of people find themselves in this position each year. Thankfully, there are some ways to make the situation less stressful if you lock your keys inside your vehicle.
The first step is to try calling your friends and family for help. If you have a friend who lives nearby, see if they can come and open the car for you. They may also be able to give you a spare key that you can keep with you in case of such an incident.
Another good idea is to hook your keys onto a clip that hangs from your belt or pants. This way, you’ll be more likely to take them when you leave your car. Many cars are also now set up to unlock with a digital key through a secure mobile phone app, which can reduce the risk of accidentally locking yourself out. Whether you’re in the market for a new car or considering upgrading your current one, look into this option to avoid getting locked out.
If you’re unable to call your friends and family, or if their methods don’t work, the next step is to call roadside assistance. Many insurance companies offer this service and will assist you with a car lockout. Alternatively, you can check to see if your credit card also comes with this type of coverage.
When you call roadside assistance, be sure to provide the make and model of your vehicle. This will make it easier for the service provider to determine your location and help you with the lockout more quickly. You can also check to see if your vehicle is covered under a warranty or other type of protection.
Remember, never call emergency services unless you’re in danger or someone is in immediate peril. Doing so could lead to fines or legal action. Similarly, don’t use 911 for non-emergency situations, such as being locked out of your car.
Call a Vehicle Locksmith
Many people find themselves locked out of their cars at one time or another. Getting locked out of your car is not only frustrating, but it can also be dangerous. This is especially true if you are stranded in a remote area or have young children or pets trapped inside. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to get back into your vehicle if you lock your keys inside.
The first thing you should do if you get locked out of your car is call for roadside assistance. Most automakers and third-party services offer this service, and they will send someone out to unlock your car without causing any damage. In addition, most roadside assistance services will allow you to wait in a safe place for the locksmith to arrive.
Alternatively, you can try using a spare key that you have stashed somewhere in your home or at work. If you have a friend or family member with a spare key, ask them to bring it out to you so you can open your car. Lastly, you can always call the police if there is any danger involved. They can use a slim jim to unlock your door or break a window if necessary.
It is easy to lose track of your car keys, which is often why people lock their keys in the vehicle. However, you should never panic in this situation, as this will only make the problem worse. Instead, take a few deep breaths and consider the following tips on how to get back into your car when you have locked your keys in it.
Shoelaces, twine, fishing line, or any string can be used to open the window on a post-lock car door. Just tie a slip knot in the string, fashion a loop that is about the size of your index finger, and wiggle the string with the loop into the upper right corner of the driver’s side window. Then, gently move the string in a back-and-forth motion, similar to flossing a giant tooth, to shift the hook into the inside lock button.
Call the Police
The key to preventing being locked out of your car is careful planning and following proper vehicle security procedures each time you park your car. Nevertheless, even the most vigilant drivers can sometimes find themselves in a tricky situation. Fortunately, a few tricks and tools can help you gain entry into your vehicle without causing any unnecessary damage.
The first thing to do if you are locked out of your car is to try all of the doors and windows, as there is always a possibility that one of them may be open or slightly ajar. Checking all the doors and windows will also allow you to take a few deep breaths, as it can be hard to calm yourself down in such stressful circumstances.
Some automakers offer a remote lockout service that you can call, which is something you should look into in advance. For example, GM’s long-standing OnStar service for many of its vehicles has this option, as does Mercedes-Benz’s mbrace service and Hyundai Blue Link. Using this service can be a lot easier than calling the police, as you don’t have to risk your safety trying to get help from strangers or stand by the roadside.
If you are unable to get into your vehicle with any of these methods, you should call the police. They will be able to help you get back into your vehicle without causing any damage, and they can also fix any broken locks that might have led to this problem in the first place.
In some cases, you can also ask friends and family members to come to your aid. However, you should only do this if it is safe and they can provide you with a spare key. Otherwise, it is best to just call a vehicle locksmith, as they will be able to unlock your car without causing any unnecessary damage.
If you have a spare key and you are able to access it, you should put it in a safe place so that you can easily retrieve it in the future. Some drivers carry a spare key in their wallet or purse, while others store it in a magnetic car door storage box that they keep under the seat or behind the fuel cap.
