It’s happened to everyone—you get out of your car, distracted and busy, only to realize that you’ve locked your keys inside. It’s natural to panic. With your keys locked in the car, you’re stuck—and if you’re not at home, you may feel trapped.
But if this should happen to you, keep calm. There are some very basic steps you should follow if you ever find yourself in this particular predicament. Before you know it, you’ll have your keys in hand and you’ll be ready to get back on the road.
When you get locked out of your car check windows and doors are locked.
Before you do anything, check that the windows and doors to your car are locked. Even if it seems obvious that you’ve accidently locked yourself out, it’s always best to double-check as this could save you time and hassle in the long run. You’ll also want to ensure you haven’t left any valuables in plain sight or accessible from the outside of the car.
If you are absolutely sure the car doors and windows to your car are locked, the next best step is to call a locksmith. A professional locksmith will be able to come out to wherever you are and unlock your vehicle for you. You can also access roadside assistance from many auto insurance companies. However it’s important to bear in mind that these services often tend to be expensive and may not be as quick or efficient as a true professional. Your best bet is usually to contact a reputable auto locksmith.
Depending on the vehicle you have, a locksmith can either pick your lock, or if it has an electronic one, they may be able to gain access using special tools and hardware. Once the locksmith has gained access to your car, they will be able to extract your car keys from inside with minimal damage caused to the vehicle itself. It is essential that you make sure that any locksmith you employ is experienced and qualified in their field. They should also provide identification for proof of their qualifications.
Locate a backup spare key.
If you don’t have a spare car key, now is a good time to get one made in preparation for a potential emergency.
Don’t break the window — try coat hangers or air wedges instead!
Call roadside assistance or a locksmith.
Without a spare key your next step should be to contact roadside assistance or a locksmith. Roadside services are convenient and typically charge per-mile. It might be the cheapest option if you happen to live close by a service provider. A locksmith is more costly but may save you money in the long run. Specially made keys for your vehicle are better.
If you choose to go with a roadside service or locksmith, be sure to do your research. Find out what their rates are. And how long it’ll take them to get to you. You should also make sure that the locksmith is reputable and trustworthy by checking online reviews. If they have any bad reviews, it may be better to look for another option. Once the locksmith arrives, they’ll assess what type of keyless entry system your car has. As well as its model and year. They’ll then use special tools designed for unlocking cars to open the door without causing damage.
A good locksmith will be available 24/7 and ready to come to you. Experienced locksmiths also know how to work with a wide variety of vehicles. No matter what you drive, a professional should be able to help. Locksmiths can provide other services as well.
Luckily you can always turn to NELA Locksmith when you lock your keys inside your car. We are a licensed and insured professional mobile locksmith company, and we always arrive quickly.
Don’t let a car lockout ruin your day. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be driving away from the problem in no time.