Car Keys Locked in Car? Here's How to Get Back in Without Calling a Locksmith
Nobody wants to be locked out of their car. But it happens to even the most careful drivers.
There are several easy ways to get back in your vehicle without having to contact roadside assistance or the dealer. Let's look at a few:. Use your shoelaces, or a wire coat hanger.
1. Call 911
It's not uncommon to lock the keys inside the car while driving to work or home, or even on a quick trip to a nearby store. This mistake is easy to make, whether it's because of a simple mistake or faulty locks. Luckily, the issue is usually easy to fix. While it's normal to feel anxious in these situations it's important not to let your emotions take over. The stress of panic can result in impulsive choices that will only make the problem worse.
Before doing anything rash it's important to take a deep breath and check all the windows and doors of your vehicle. If you don't have an extra car key at home or have a family member to bring it to you, there are other ways to enter your vehicle without causing damage.
A lot of roadside assistance providers such as AAA provide services that can help you get into your vehicle if you lock your keys inside. They have specially-designed equipment and kits that can help you do this and are available 24 hours a day. They can take a long time to arrive, and based on your membership, you may need to pay an additional cost.
You could also try using things that you have in your home like shoestrings with an untied slip knot that you can thread through the door to pull up the post lock or a wire coat hanger through one of the window frames to unlock the lock. However, these strategies can sometimes break parts of the door, and they're not always efficient.
In the event that you aren't able to get into your vehicle and you don't have time to wait for a professional, or you're worried about someone being injured then calling 911 is the best option. A police officer will be dispatched to assist you. In most cases they can unlock your car, or at a minimum request a tow truck, which will show up on your bill. If your car is more recent 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 could be an unpleasant and stressful situation that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. To avoid a car lockout make sure you have a spare key in your purse or wallet, place it under your car or give it to a friend to leave at their home. You can also employ a tool to pry the locked door in the event of a need.
When you're stuck in a car the first thing to do is assess the situation to determine if your keys are locked inside. Take a few deep breathes and then see whether you are able to open the doors or gain access to them from outside. If not, call roadside assistance.
Many insurance companies offer roadside assistance 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 experts who can unlock your car with different strategies and tools. In the case of a modern, keyless system, an expert will be able to reset your car's key fob to get you back on your way.
If you do not have a similar program, you can still call the local police department to seek help. This should only be done in an emergency, for instance when your pets or children are trapped in the car. It is not for you to call 911 because you lost your keys. It is important to note that 911 lines are designed for emergency situations and that when you call to report your keys in the car, you may not be able speak to an officer immediately, and it could take some time before they send an official to your location.
Before you call roadside assistance, make sure to are aware of what the cost will be. Based on your membership, you could be covered for a free lockout every year, or you might have to pay out of pocket for these services. Find out whether your roadside assistance provider has locksmiths in their team. This may be an alternative method to get your keys back.
3. Contact a locksmith
It's one of the most stressful and traumatic situations to find yourself locked out of your car, especially if you're in a rush to get to a place. Even if it appears as if all hope is gone there are still a few tried-and-true ways to get into your car without contacting a professional locksmith.
The first step is always to look at the other doors of your car to see if they are locked. While you may think this is obvious, it's often forgotten when people are in a rush.
Another alternative is to ask your friends or family members for an extra key that they can allow you into your car. If this isn't an option you can try to find a way to unlock the trunk of your car instead. It is more difficult and you will need to use a special tool or trick to bypass the locking mechanism. You'll need to find out the procedure for your specific make and model.
If car keys locked in car of these solutions work, you need to call an experienced locksmith. A reputable NYC auto locksmith should be able to get you back in your vehicle quickly, securely and without causing damage to the lock. They'll have the tools and expertise to break even the most secure locks, and will provide an alternative key in the event of a breakage.
Assistance providers for roadside emergencies like AAA can also be useful in this situation Be aware that they will likely charge for their services. Luckily, most AAA members get one free lockout per year, based on their membership level.
If you're a member of AAA they'll send locksmiths to your location and typically get you in your vehicle within an hour. They can also assist with other roadside issues, like fuel delivery and tire changes. If you don't have an AAA membership you can contact a local locksmith, but it will cost you. Make sure you do your research to find the best locksmith for your requirements.
4. Try an DIY Solution
It's a terrifying feeling to realize that you've locked your keys to your car in the car. It is important to remain at peace, look over the situation and decide the next steps. Call a locksmith instead of attempting to fix the issue yourself. You could cause further damage to your vehicle or end up with an additional bill.
Fortunately, there are several ways to unlock your car keys without calling a professional. These methods involve using things you already have at your home. The first step is to ensure the trunk isn't locked. Some modern cars have special security features which prevent the trunk from opening. Read the owner's guide or contact Longo Toyota to find out if your vehicle has this feature.
Another alternative is to use a shoelace. This method is only applicable to cars that have post locks which are the kinds of locks that extend straight out of the door frame. This trick only works in the event that the lock isn't damaged, so it's best to test this on a newer vehicle that is less likely to be stolen.
The last option is to break a window, but it's essential to do this in a safe manner and only when there is an emergency like the presence of a pet or child in the car. Remember that breaking a car window could cause costly glass replacement.
It's nearly impossible to prevent getting your car keys locked inside the car however there are ways to minimize the chance of this occurring. Be sure to have a spare key is kept in a safe place or give to a trusted friend. Check if your auto insurance or roadside assistance policy provides unlocking services. You will save time and money by employing this method if you lock your keys inside the car.