Car Keys Locked in Car? Here's How to Get Back in Without Calling a Locksmith
Nobody wants to be locked out. But it happens to the most careful drivers.
Luckily, there are a few simple ways to get in your car without calling roadside assistance or the dealership. Here are a few of them. Use your shoelaces, or a coat hanger made of wire.
1. Call 911
It's not uncommon to lock your keys inside the car when driving to or from work, or even on an easy trip to a nearby grocery store. From a simple lack of awareness to faulty locks, it's easy for us all to make this mistake at some point. Fortunately, it's easy to repair. It's normal to panic in these situations. However, it's not advisable to let your emotions take over. Anxiety can lead to impulsive actions that can cause the situation to get worse.
Take a deep breath before you make any rash decisions and be sure to inspect all the doors and windows of your car. You may have the luxury of having a spare key in your home, or with a friend who is able to bring it to you If you don't, there's plenty of other ways to get into your car without causing unnecessary damage.
Many roadside assistance companies, like AAA provide assistance to assist you with getting into your vehicle if you lock your keys inside. They have specialized tools and kits to do this, and they're accessible 24/7. However, they can often take a long time to arrive, and you'll need to pay for a fee dependent on the membership level you have.
You can also try using objects you already have in your house, such as the shoestring that has an elongated slip knot through the door to open an old post lock, or a wire coat hanger through one of the window frames to open the lock. However, these tactics can sometimes break parts of the door and they're not always efficient.
If you're unable to gain access to your vehicle and don't want to wait around to be helped by an expert, or if you're worried about someone being injured, calling 911 is a good option. A police officer will be dispatched to help you. In most cases, they will unlock your car, or at least summon a tow-truck, and the cost will show up on your bill. If the car is newer and the police are involved, they will need to recode the lock, which will be at an additional cost.
2. Contact Roadside Assistance
A car lockout can be a frustrating, inconvenient experience that can make you feel helpless. To avoid this happening put an extra key in your purse or wallet or put it under the floor of your car, or leave someone with a spare that you can leave at their residence. If you are in a pinch you could also make use of a tool.
If you are stuck in your vehicle, the first step is to evaluate the situation and determine if your keys are inside. Then, take a few deep breaths and check around to determine whether the doors are in good working order or you are able to access them from outside of the vehicle. If not, you can call roadside assistance.
A lot of auto insurance companies include roadside assistance coverage as an optional add-on, but you may also find it in other service providers, such as an auto club or credit card. The program usually has professionals who can unlock your car using different strategies and tools. If you have a modern, keyless system, a specialist will be able to reset the key fob of your car to return you to your way.
If you do not have a similar program, you can still contact the local police department for assistance. However it should be done only in emergency situations, such as the case of children or pets trapped inside the car, and not because you locked your keys inside the car. You should be aware that 911 lines are only for emergencies. If you dial to report that you have locked the keys to your car, it might take some time before a professional arrives.
Before you decide to contact roadside assistance, make sure you know what the cost will be. Based on your membership, you may be covered for one free lockout per year or you may have to pay a fee out of your pocket for such services. It is also important to find out whether the roadside assistance company you choose has locksmiths on their staff for this to be another option for getting your keys back.
3. Contact a locksmith
It's one of the most frustrating and unsettling situations to find yourself locked out of your car particularly if you're in a rush to get to a place. But, even if all hope seems gone there are a few tried and true ways to get back in your vehicle without contacting locksmith.
The first step is to determine whether the doors to the other side are locked. Although it may seem like this is obvious, it's frequently overlooked when people are in a hurry.
Another alternative is to ask family members or friends whether they have an extra key that they can allow you to enter your vehicle. If this is not an option, try to find a different way to unlock the trunk. It's more difficult and you'll have to use a special tool or trick to get around the locking mechanism. You'll need to find out the procedure for your particular model and make.
If none of these solutions are working, it's time to contact a professional locksmith. A reliable NYC automotive locksmith should be able to help you get back into your car quickly and safely without damaging your lock. They'll have the tools and know-how to break even the most secure locks and provide an alternative key in the event of a breakage.
Roadside assistance companies like AAA can also be helpful in this situation. However, they'll charge for their services. The majority of AAA members are entitled to one free lockout every year, based on the level of their membership.
If you're an active member of AAA they will send a locksmith to your location. They will usually get you back in your vehicle in less than an hour. They can also assist with other roadside problems, like fuel delivery and changing tires. If you do not have an AAA membership you can contact an individual locksmith, but it will cost you. Do your research prior to choosing the locksmith.
4. Try a DIY solution
If you discover that you have locked the keys to your car, it can be a terrifying experience. It is important to remain calm, assess the situation and decide to do next. It is recommended to contact a locksmith prior to attempting any do-it-yourself tips which could result in further damage to your vehicle, or a more expensive bill.
There are a few ways to get your car keys back without contacting a professional. These methods involve using items you've probably got at your home. The first step is to make sure the trunk isn't locked. vehicle unlock service have special security features that block the trunk from opening. You can check your owner's manual, or contact Longo Toyota, to see if this feature is available for your vehicle.
A shoelace is another option. This trick is only compatible with cars that have post-locks, which are locks that are inserted straight out of the door frame. This trick only works in the event that the lock isn't compromised, so it's best to test this on a car that's less likely have been stolen.
It's the last option to break a car window. But, it should only be done in a crisis situation when there is a child or pet in the vehicle. It's also important to keep in mind that breaking a window is likely to need replacement of the glass, which can be expensive.
Getting your car keys locked in the car is a risk that is almost impossible to avoid, however you can take steps to limit the likelihood of this occurring. Make sure you have a spare key is kept in a safe place or give to an individual you trust. Also, make sure to check whether your roadside assistance plan or auto insurance provides unlocking services as part of your policy. You can save time and money by using this method if you happen to lock your keys inside your car.