Locked Keys in Car - How to Get Help
It's a nightmare scenario that more than 4 million Americans experience every year. Even with modern technology such as smart keys, getting locked out of your car could still happen.
There are plenty of ways to get back into your vehicle without causing damage. Keep calm and take note of your situation.
Call for a locksmith
If you lock your keys in the car, it could be a stressful situation. It is important to remain calm and figure out an alternative to get back in. You may need to ask a family member for help or call roadside assistance. But, it's best to contact a locksmith in order to ensure that you don't damage your vehicle.
There are a myriad of reasons for locking your keys inside the car. It could be that you left the keys in the ignition, you might have sat down to make a phone call and forgot to change your keys, or you might even have a broken key. Call a locksmith to open your vehicle without causing any damage.
A professional locksmith can also provide advice on how to avoid this problem from repeating itself. They can offer tips on how to ensure your keys are secure and a service that will permit you to use an emergency car unlocking system should the need arise.
Always have a spare set in your vehicle. This will allow you to easily access your car in case of an emergency and it is much safer than trying to break a glass to gain entry into the car.
It is also advisable to ask your insurance company if they offer roadside assistance. This can be very useful if you're locked out of your car. Some companies include this service as a part of their policy, whereas others charge a fee.
Contact a Tow truck
Locking your keys inside your car is among the worst things you can do. It can be a traumatic and stressful experience, but you should be calm and do everything you can to aid yourself.
It is first important to verify that you really have locked your keys in the car. You may not notice that your keys have disappeared from your purse or pocket until you return to your vehicle. If this is the case, you should call a tow truck.
You can also call your local police department. This isn't always the best option since a police officer is concerned about the safety of the public and the lockout of your car isn't typically considered to be an emergency. You can call an emergency number and describe the situation, but they are probably going to recommend that you contact roadside assistance or a locksmith.
Keep an extra car key in a place that is easy to reach. This can be a wallet or purse, or even a magnetic key box that can be positioned on the bottom of your car. You can also leave a spare key with your family member or friend, or enroll in roadside assistance programs that offer car lockout coverage.
If you find yourself locked from your car Don't attempt to break into it using tools such as a hammer or coat hanger. This could cause damage to your vehicle and force you to pay two emergency callout bills.
Contact Roadside Assistance
A roadside assistance call is an excellent option if you cannot get inside your car, and you don't want to risk further damage. It may cost more than calling a locksmith in your area however it's worth it to get professional help you get in your vehicle.
A roadside service representative will likely be able employ a variety of tools to open the lock or pry it open. If necessary, they can cut a new key for you. They can also refill your batteries and provide other services, for example, jumpstarting dead batteries. It is recommended to keep a spare set of keys in a safe location in your home or office. This way, you won't need to worry about being locked out in the future.
Some car insurance companies include roadside assistance in their policies. Find out in your policy out if it offers locks. If it does, they'll usually cover the entire costs of unlocking your car. They will usually exclude the coverage of children or pets in the vehicle, and other services that require sophisticated tools like the key fob.
If you do not have roadside assistance, the majority of locksmiths and towing companies can help you get your keys out of your car. You can also contact your local police department to get help. However, it's important to remember that 911 is intended for emergencies, and police will only respond to your call if they believe that you or someone else's life is in danger.
Make a call to a friend
It can be extremely frustrating to lock yourself out of your vehicle. Even the most cautious drivers can find themselves in this scenario. It could be due simple negligence or a malfunctioning lock. There are a variety of methods to escape this scenario.
Many people keep spare keys in their home or with a trusted friend in the event of a problem. This is a convenient solution, but it's not foolproof. You may lose it or forget where you put it. You can avoid this problem by storing a spare key in an area that you or someone else can easily access. You can put the key in a magnetic box on the underside of your car, for example. You can also leave the key in the hands of a neighbor or a family member.
You may be able use the services provided by a service club or auto-insurance provider, if you have locked your keys in your vehicle. These service providers usually have a team of locksmiths who can assist you. These professionals can sometimes unlock your car without damaging the lock.
You can also call the authorities to seek help if you don't have an extra key. You might be able get back into your vehicle by breaking a glass using a slim-jim for opening the doors. This is a good option to reserve in case of emergency. It is also costly and risky, as the police could consider your vehicle an easy target for thieves. locked car is recommended to contact roadside assistance.
Call the Police
It's a situation everyone faces at one point or another - leaving the car keys in the ignition. It's frustrating but not a major problem. It's easy to get out of the mess by planning. It's a good idea have an extra key available, stash it in a hidden place (not the back of your seat or in a coat pocket) and leave it with a trusted person.
In some cases it's a good idea to call the police if you have locked your keys inside your car. This is especially true if you are in a hazardous situation such as on a busy street or in an unfamiliar parking area at night. In such a situation, the police may cut a window to allow you to escape. This can cost a significant amount of dollars, but it's worth the price to ensure your security.
The majority of the time, it is better to call the tow-truck or locksmith instead of the police. The police are funded by taxpayers, and they should be using their resources to combat crime, not to help with personal problems. Most police departments also have a policy prohibiting officers from unlocking cars for free.
The best way to avoid being locked out of your car is to examine every door prior to you leave the vehicle. It's easy to become distracted or forget your keys in a hurry, which is why you should always double-check before you head out. Keep an extra key on hand and it's a great idea to have roadside assistance insurance through your insurance or AAA. Hopefully, you will never need to use it, but when you need to, you'll know exactly what to do!