Have you ever locked your keys in your car? If you haven’t before, there’s a good chance you will at some point. Unless you have a newer vehicle that allows you to unlock the doors with proximity or a smartphone app, you may panic, especially if you are in a rush. Don’t worry! This guide will teach you what you should do if you get locked out of your car.
Call 911
Is being locked out of your car an emergency? Most of the time, no. However, there are some instances where it may be. If a child or animal is locked inside and cannot get out, especially in very hot or very cold weather, that constitutes an emergency.
Do not hesitate to call 911 if someone is in danger. If it isn’t an emergency, you can call the non-emergency line and ask if someone is available to come out to help you.
In some cases, the police can help you unlock the car door. If they can’t, they can call a tow truck for you.
Call Roadside Assistance
Many organizations include roadside assistance as a perk. If you haven’t checked before, check out what perks your phone or auto insurance provides. You may have roadside assistance coverage.
If you do have roadside assistance, call them for help. They can either tell you what you should do or send someone to the scene to assist.
It may take a bit of time for them to get to you, but they will come unlock your car. And they’re often the cheapest of the option if you already have the coverage.
Pick the Lock Yourself
If you have the right tools and technical know-how, you may be able to pick the lock on your car yourself. There are many lock picking sets that can help you break into your own vehicle.
Call a Tow Truck
Worst-case scenario, you may need to call a tow truck yourself. If you have no other way to get into the car, they can help you. Most towing services do offer help for people locked out. Of course, this is going to cost you some money.
Get a Temporary Key
Some car dealers may be able to create a key to open the vehicle’s doors. This will likely require you to provide the VIN and proof that you own the car, and the key they give you probably won’t start the vehicle. But it will allow you access to the interior where your permanent keys are.
Hopefully, this has helped you understand what you should do if you get locked out of your car. No one wants to end up in a situation that’s out of their control, but now you have options for how to get through it.
