There are a few different things that you can do when you’re locked out of your car. You can try to unlock your car yourself, call a friend for help, or you can hire a locksmith to come and assist you. Let’s talk about each of these options and see what the best one is.
Call a Locksmith
Car lockouts are embarrassing, inconvenient, and more or less inevitable for almost all drivers at some point. It’s easy to forget the keys in the ignition, leave them inside when you’re getting groceries, or even accidentally lock your little one in the back seat. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do in these situations to stay calm and avoid further problems.
The best option is to call a locksmith for help. A professional, licensed locksmith will come to your location and unlock your vehicle without damaging the locks or windows. This is a much safer and more cost-effective option than trying to break into the car with improvised tools, which could potentially cause serious injuries. Most locksmiths will ask to see proof of ownership and a photo ID before providing their services, so make sure you have these documents handy in case you get locked out of your vehicle.
Get a New Key
If you do not have a spare key for your car, it’s time to get one. You will not only save yourself stress in the future, but you’ll also avoid having to resort to desperate measures like breaking into your car with rocks or other pointy objects that could cause injury or damage your windows. In many cases, it’s much cheaper to get a new key than to have your car towed to the dealership and pay for a replacement key that will need to be programmed.
To reduce the cost, look for discounted replacement keys online. These will be less expensive than buying a new key from the dealer, but it’s still important to know your year, make and model and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) number so you can order the correct key for your car. Also check to see if the company you’re ordering from will cut and program the key for you before you buy it.
Don’t Try to Unlock Your Car
In a rush to get back into your car, you may be tempted to try DIY methods. However, these can be risky and damage your vehicle’s interior or void your warranty protection. Instead, call for professional help as soon as possible. Depending on your insurance policy, roadside assistance providers might help you with a lockout or other distressing situations, including car damage.
If you have a spare set of keys at home or with a friend, this is the best option to get back into your vehicle. If not, you should first check all of your doors and trunk handles. It’s a simple step that’s often overlooked in the tense and stressful moment of locking your keys in the car. Also, be sure to check the back seat and trunk before you do anything drastic like breaking a window. Doing so can be dangerous and may be treated as an emergency if there are children or pets trapped inside the vehicle.
Stay Safe
Getting locked out of your car is a stressful experience, but it’s important to stay safe and secure during this situation. Don’t try to break into your car or use improvised tools to get back in. These methods can be dangerous, and they may also damage your vehicle. Instead, call a locksmith and wait for them to arrive.
One of the best ways to prevent a Car Lockout Washington DC is to have a spare key. You can give this key to a family member or friend or hide it on your property. It’s also a good idea to keep your keys on a key ring, so you can find them quickly and easily.
If you’re a member of roadside assistance program, such as AAA, you can get one free lockout per year, and you can call them for help at any time of the day. This is a great option for people who are regularly locked out of their cars and want to save money on emergency service fees.